Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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Item Silica nanoparticles: Chemical synthesis and acute neurotoxic study in Wistar rat(Scientific Scholar, 2024-03) Yadav, S; Nirmal, NK; Gupta, H; John, PJ.Objectives: In this study, silica nanoparticles (SNPs) were synthesized through the sol-gel approach, characterized using X-ray diffraction and examined for their potential to induce acute neurotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: The average particle size was confirmed to be 110 ± 5 nm through scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. An intraperitoneal injection of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg of SNPs was administered twice over 24 h to rats, followed by autopsies 24 h later. Brain regions (cerebellum, frontal cortex, hippocampus, and corpus striatum) were analyzed for changes in antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione-s-transferase [GST], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], glutathione reductase [GR] and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance [TBARS] levels) and neurotransmitter concentrations (acetylcholinestrase [AChE], dopamine, serotonin and nor-epinephrine). Results: The activity of SOD, CAT and GST increased significantly in the high dose group, specifically in the hippocampus and corpus striatum. No significant change in GR activity was observed in any dose group. Significant alterations were observed in neurotransmitter concentrations in hippocampus and corpus striatum in rats treated with high dose. Conclusion: Overall, the outcomes derived from our research suggest that SNPs lead to dose-dependent oxidative harm and neurotoxic effects in different regions of brain.Item Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea risk and its association with anthropometric indices of cardiometabolic risks and cognition in young and middle-aged adults(Scientific Scholar, 2024-03) Ravichandran, M; Rajasegaran, R; Govindaraj, V.Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), an often underdiagnosed and undertreated sleep-related breathing disorder, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of OSA risk and its association with anthropometric indices (AI) of cardiometabolic risks, domain-specific cognitive functions and quality of sleep in apparently healthy young and middle-aged adults. Materials and Methods: One hundred and eighty-nine apparently healthy individuals (123 males and 66 females) aged 19–45 years were included in this cross-sectional study. The participant’s current risk of OSA was assessed using the STOP-Bang questionnaire, and AI indicative of cardiometabolic risk (body mass index, waist-hip ratio [W/H ratio], waist-height ratio [WHtR], conicity index and a body shape index) was assessed using standard techniques. Domain-specific cognitive tests were performed to assess the cognitive status of the individual. Quality of sleep was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The correlation between the OSA risk score and the study parameters was assessed using the Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient test. Results: The prevalence of high current risk of moderate to severe OSA was found to be 12.7%. Significant positive correlations were observed between OSA risk score and W/H, WHtR and sleep quality scores. While a significant positive correlation was observed between OSA risk score and executive functioning, significant negative correlations were observed with the other cognitive tests (short-term memory, verbal fluency, visuospatial memory and sustained attention and response speed). Conclusion: A high risk of moderate to severe OSA is associated with obesity, cognitive decline and poor sleep quality in apparently healthy young and middle-aged adults.Item Aspiration pneumonia induced by haloperidol – A case report(Scientific Scholar, 2024-12) Saranraj, K; Usha, Kiran P; Rohindh, K.Antipsychotic drugs were the most common cause of drug-induced aspiration pneumonia and dystonia. We present a young male in his 20s with a medical history of psychosis and on treatment with haloperidol 2.5 mg once daily for the past 3 months, who presented with breathing difficulty, cough, dysphagia and dystonia. The patient was admitted to the pulmonology ward, and investigations included chest X-ray and sputum tests, ruling out infective growth. Bronchoscopic removal of aspirated contents was done, oxygen support and intravenous antibiotics to prevent secondary infections were also given to the patient. The patient recovered fully, prompting haloperidol discontinuation and a switch to another antipsychotic. Pharmacovigilance data underscored haloperidol’s association with adverse reactions such as dystonia and pneumonia. The outcome emphasised the importance of vigilant monitoring and awareness of haloperidol-induced side effects among healthcare professionals and patients.Item Trop T, hand grip strength and waist circumference as markers of sarcopenic obesity in postmenopausal women: An analytical cross-sectional study(Scientific Scholar, 2024-03) Sarangi, S; Arul, Senghor KA; Vinodhini, VM.Objectives: Sarcopenic obesity is defined as age-associated histological changes and adiposity in muscles that impair muscle function. Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia suggested hand grip strength (HGS) and gait speed for screening sarcopenia. Troponin is a putative biomarker of muscle health. The study aims to evaluate Trop T, HGS, and waist circumference (WC) as markers of sarcopenic obesity in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in healthy postmenopausal women. Anthropometric measurements, HGS, and gait speed were documented. Postmenopausal women were identified as sarcopenic obesity with the following criteria: (a) The cut-points for weak handgrip strength (kg) for women as <18 in Asians (b) WC ?85 cm in women. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDLc), low- density lipoprotein (LDLc), and high sensitive troponin T levels were estimated in the automated biochemistry analyser. Results: About 33% sarcopenic obesity was observed in postmenopausal women aged 56 to 60 years. WC (93 cm) and body mass index (29.64) were increased in sarcopenic obese. Decreased HGS (9.44 kg) and increased gait speed (13.62 s) were observed in sarcopenic obese as compared to non-sarcopenic obese women. Increased troponin T (0.068 ng/mL), small dense LDLc (mmol/L), LDLc, non-HDLc, and decreased HDLc were observed in sarcopenic obese postmenopausal women. Receiver’s operating characteristic curve: sensitivity of waist circumference, HGS, gait, and troponin T were 97% (area under the curve [AUC] 0.76), 83% (AUC 0.84), 82% (AUC 0.76) and 67% (AUC 0.77), respectively. Conclusion: Measurement of waist circumference, hand grip strength, and gait are diagnostic tools of sarcopenic obesity that divulges the quality of postmenopausal life.Item Preventive interventional strategies mitigate age-associated degeneration of dorsal hippocampal neural cells in naturally ageing mice(Scientific Scholar, 2024-03) Bhat, MS; D’Almeida, PM; Prabhu, P; Sivakumar, G; Dhanushkodi, A; Rai, KS.Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and potential protective effects of various intervention strategies, such as choline and docosahexaenoic acid (Ch-DHA) supplementation, Clitoria ternatea root extract (CTR) supplements, human embryonic kidney stem cell conditioned media (HEK-CM) treatment and exposure to enriched environments (EEs), in mitigating neural cell degeneration in dorsal hippocampal subregions of naturally ageing mice brain. Materials and Methods: Twelve–fifteen-month-old CF1 male mice were subdivided (n = 6/group) into normal age-matched control, Ch-DHA supplemented, EE exposed, HEK-CM administered and CTR-supplemented groups. Neuro morphological alterations in the dorsal hippocampus were assessed using cresyl violet staining. Results: Higher neural cell degeneration was observed in the CA1–CA3 dorsal hippocampal subregions in normal ageing mice brains. Notably, interventions such as HEK-CM administration, Ch-DHA supplementation, exposure to an EE and CTR supplementation significantly reduced degeneration, particularly in the CA3 and CA2 regions. Conclusion: Ch-DHA supplementation and HEK-CM treatment are observed to significantly reduce age-dependent degeneration of dorsal hippocampal CA3 and CA2 neurons in naturally ageing mice compared to EE exposure or CTR supplementation.Item Assembling of a cost-effective and adaptable motorised rodent exercise wheel(Scientific Scholar, 2024-03) Reshmi, R; Suganthi, V; Rajaram, S; Malleshappa, K.Objectives: Exercise physiology is one of the leading branches of applied physiology. It is concerned with studies related to the effect of acute and chronic exercise on mental and physical health research in human subjects and animals. There are various methods of physical exercise which have been used in animal studies including rodents. However, the machines available for research purposes are sophisticated and expensive, which also requires an additional annual maintenance cost. The objective is to assemble an efficient, reliable, cost-effective, and humane motorized exercise wheel setup for the study of acute and chronic physical exercise in rodents. Materials and Methods: The motorized rodent exercise wheel was assembled using affordable locally available materials. Results: A cost-effective, efficient model for rodent exercise was built and the total cost of this setup was 32 USD or 2860 INR only. Conclusion: This cost-effective rodent exercise wheel works efficiently for the conduction of exercise-related studies in rodents.Item Faculty perceptions of the efficacy, benefits and challenges of simulation-based early clinical exposure for medical students in India: A qualitative study(Scientific Scholar, 2024-12) Shastry, N; Ullal, NA; Thattil, AM; Maitreyee, DS; Bangera, SR; Mahmood, LS.Objectives: Medical education in India has shifted to a learner-centric approach, with early clinical exposure (ECE) mandated for 1st-year medical students. Implementing ECE in a clinical setting is challenging, leading to the adoption of simulation-based ECE (SB-ECE). However, faculty perceptions of integrating simulation with ECE, especially for 1st-year undergraduates, remain understudied. This study aimed to explore faculty perceptions of the feasibility, advantages and challenges of using simulations in ECE, providing valuable insights for future studies. Materials and Methods: We conducted a qualitative study with intentional sampling according to predefined criteria. We interviewed 12 faculty members at a medical teaching institution using a topic guide. Thematic analysis was then performed on the data collected from the 12 interviews to identify the key themes and patterns. Results: Most of the faculty interviewed considered the use of simulation in ECE as an excellent adjunct to teaching in a clinical setting. However, the faculty also noted a few challenges, such as fidelity, time constraints and the ratio of students to faculty members, in implementing SB-ECE. Conclusion: Faculty members recognised the integration of simulation into ECE as a highly effective tool for enhancing the learning of basic sciences and fostering attitudes, ethics and professionalism in medical education, with the main challenge being the logistical demand for implementing simulation-based sessions.Item Impact of AETCOM module about autonomy, empathy and equanimity on ensuing clinical practice: Perceptions of medical undergraduates(Scientific Scholar, 2024-12) Sharma, V; Aggarwal, M; Kumari, P; Parashar, L; Bhati, RK; Singh, A; Gupta, PK.Objectives: In India, medical education is currently experiencing a significant transformation facilitated by the National Medical Commission through the implementation of competency-based medical education (CBME). The primary objective of CBME is to ensure that Indian medical graduates possess the necessary competencies to effectively address the health-care requirements of patients, emphasising on acquisition of skills over traditional knowledge-based training, with a specific focus on attitude, ethics and communication (AETCOM) competencies, striving to cultivate health-care professionals who can deliver comprehensive and compassionate care while upholding global standards of excellence. This study aimed to analyse the perceptions of medical undergraduates regarding the effectiveness of the AETCOM module pertaining to autonomy, empathy and equanimity in their foreseeable clinical practice. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, analytical and cross-sectional study conducted in April 2023, where a structured questionnaire designed as Google Form was emailed to the 2nd phase MBBS students of ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Faridabad. The questionnaire was composed of 10 Likert scale-based statements on fundamentals of AETCOM pertaining to autonomy, empathy and equanimity with five options of ‘strongly agree’, ‘agree’, ‘neutral’, ‘disagree’ and ‘strongly disagree’ and a subsection where students were asked to disclose their age and sex. Among all responses, ‘strongly agree’ and ‘agree’ were considered positive responses for questions 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, whereas for questions 4 and 5, they were ‘strongly disagree’ and ‘disagree’. Pre-session and post- session assessment tests with ten multiple-choice questions based on AETCOM were also conducted. The results were analysed using SPSS Statistics 25.0. Results: One hundred and fifteen out of 125 undergraduate medical students responded to the email by filling up the Google Form Questionnaire. The mean age of students was 20.60 ± 1.38 years. On analysis, it was found that the mean of overall positive responses was increased after the session from 38.20 ± 6.60 to 91.30 ± 9.27 (P < 0.001). The mean score of the assessment test also increased after the session from 4.86 ± 1.43 to 9.05 ± 0.99 (P < 0.001). Mean positive responses were increased after the session for both sexes: 17.11 ± 5.13 to 42.44 ± 7.95 for males (P = 0.001) and 20.89 ± 3.95 to 48.56 ± 6.42 for females (P = 0.001). The positive responses were increased for each statement after the session. Conclusion: This study highlights the effectiveness of AETCOM sessions on autonomy, empathy, and equanimity in evolving a positive perspective in medical undergraduates of all sexes regarding ensuing clinical practice in the future. By nurturing values, empathy, and effective communication skills, medical professionals can build stronger relationships with patients and contribute to a more compassionate and ethical healthcare system.Item Correlation between clinical outcome and nerve conduction studies before and after surgery in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome(Scientific Scholar, 2024-12) Chowdhury, D; Sen, S.Objectives: In this study, we aimed to establish the correlation between clinical outcomes using a self- administered Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire (BCTQ) and nerve conduction studies (NCSs) before and after carpal tunnel release (CTR) operation in moderate, severe and extreme groups of patients. In prevalent literature, we found conflicting reports regarding the correlation, so we undertook this study to get a clear concept of the correlation between BCTQ and NCS. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patients (39 hands) of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were subdivided into three categories: Group I is moderate CTS (n = 9 hands), Group II is severe CTS (n = 14 hands) and Group III is extreme CTS (n = 16 hands). We evaluated electrophysiological parameters using both conventional motor parameters such as distal motor latency (DML), forearm conduction velocity (FMCV) and short-segment NCS parameter – transcarpal motor conduction velocity (TMCV) in pre-surgical and 6- and 9-month’s post-operative patients. The correlation between BCTQ consisting of symptom severity scale (SSS), functional status scale (FSS), and NCSs before and after CTR was assessed using Spearman rank correlation coefficients to establish the importance of CTR as the most effective treatment modality for CTS patients. Results: We found a significant correlation between BCTQ parameters – SSS and FSS and motor NCS parameters – DML, FMCV and TMCV in all three groups of CTS patients preoperatively, but the Spearman correlation coefficient value decreased and became statistically non-significant after 6 and 9 months of CTR operation. The BCTQ parameters SSS and FSS are influenced by the subjective information provided by the patients, whereas NCS is the objective and quantitative method to evaluate the condition of the median nerve. Moreover, NCS should be included in the post-operative follow-up to eliminate the possibility of recurrence, inadequate release of transverse ligament compressing the median nerve, and presence of other similar pathology or post-CTR complications. Conclusion: We can, therefore, conclude that clinicians should use BCTQ and NCS together to ascertain the success of CTR operation.Item A comparative analysis of partial sleep restriction versus split sleep regimen on cognitive processing, declarative memory, and affective behaviour in nursing students(Scientific Scholar, 2024-12) Anand, NS; Anantha, S; Altayib, LS.Objectives: Sleep plays a regulatory role in functions such as abstraction, fluid intelligence, and declarative memory. This research seeks to assess the influence of two sleep restriction schedules—partial nocturnal sleep restriction and a split sleep (SS) regimen—on fluid intelligence and various memory functions (including encoding, consolidation, and retrieval) in shift-working nurses. Materials and Methods: The research involved 46 4th-year nursing students (23 males and 23 females) assigned to night duties, categorised into two groups: Partial sleep restriction (5 h of night sleep with 4 h of daytime recovery sleep) and SS (5 h of night sleep with 1.5 h of an afternoon nap and recovery sleep of 2.5 h following the tests). Instruments such as the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Karolinska sleepiness scale (KSS), and Raven’s Progressive Matrices were utilised to evaluate sleep quality, sleepiness levels, overall mood, benefits of daytime naps, and fluid intelligence. Memory-related activities comprised a picture-encoding task and a factual knowledge task, evaluated through subjective assessments and two alternative choice questions. Results: The PSQI global scores highlighted notable differences, with female nursing students in the partial sleep group scoring lower (9 ± 2.311) than their counterparts in the SS group (5 ± 1.09). Sleepiness, gauged by the KSSKSS score, was higher in the partial sleep group (7 ± 3.2) compared to female nursing students in the SS regimen (5 ± 5.8). Results from Raven’s progressive matrices pointed to delayed abstraction in the partial sleep restriction group (9.31 ± 6.24) in contrast to the SS group (9.01 ± 5.59), indicating poorer performance in visual attentive tasks. Positive and negative affect schedule scores unveiled heightened negativity in mood due to sleep restriction in the partial sleep group, with less hostility observed in those with an afternoon nap, albeit not reaching statistical significance. Positive moods exhibited fluctuation, with attentiveness declining in the partial sleep group. The study affirmed the advantages of a daytime nap on long-term memory. Female nurses in the SS regimen displayed statistically significant picture encoding accuracy (78 ± 3.65) with faster reaction times (2 ± 6.37) compared to the partial sleep group. Males in the SS regimen recorded a higher percentage of hits (88 ± 5.16). Learning sessions at 3 pm, coinciding with the circadian dip, affected the partial sleep groups, whereas the nap mitigated such effects for the SS group. Allowing a 1.5-h afternoon nap synchronised with the circadian dip enhanced memory in the SS group. Conclusion: By comparing partial nocturnal sleep restriction and a SS regimen, this study unveils their distinct effects on fluid intelligence and memory processes among shift-working nurses. The results provide valuable insights into the degree of dependence of basic cortical functions on sleep for healthcare professionals navigating demanding schedules, underscoring the significance of accounting for both nocturnal sleep duration and daytime naps to optimise cognitive performance.Item Effectiveness of Rajyoga meditation on cognitive functions and quality of life in young adults with internet addiction(Scientific Scholar, 2024-12) Bansal, S; Jain, P; Tomar, R; Kapoor, M.Objectives: Recently, an increasing trend in the prevalence of internet addiction (IA) has been seen worldwide. IA is found to be associated with impaired cognitive functions, emotional dysregulations and psychological morbidity, warranting the need for appropriate preventive and curative interventional modalities. Non- pharmacological interventions such as meditation may help in positively modifying internet behaviour and combatting its adverse effects on cognitive functions and psycho-social health. The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of Rajyoga meditation (RYM) on cognition and quality of life (QOL) in young adults with IA. Materials and Methods: In the present prospective interventional study, a total of 40 young adults with IA were divided equally into two groups: Control and meditation. Subjects in the meditation group practised RYM for 20 min/day, daily for 8 weeks. Control group subjects received no intervention. Assessments were conducted thrice at the following time points: Before intervention (baseline), after 1 week (T1) and 8 (T2) weeks of intervention. Various assessment tools such as Young’s 20-Item IA Test (YIAT), World Health Organization QOL brief (WHOQOL-Bref) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MOCA) questionnaires were utilised. The statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.0 (IBM Corp). Results: Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. The results revealed significant (P < 0.001) main effects of time for YIAT and MOCA. This effect was further qualified by a significant interaction between time and group for YIAT (P < 0.001). The results further highlighted significant between groups effects in mean scores of YIAT, MOCA (P < 0.01) and WHOQOL-Bref domains 2, 4 (P < 0.01) and domain 3 (P < 0.05) after 8 weeks of intervention. Within the meditation group, a significant increase in mean scores of both MOCA (P < 0.01) and WHOQOL-Bref (P < 0.05) and a significant decrease in mean YIAT (P < 0.001) scores were observed after 8 weeks of intervention. Conclusion: RYM decreased the severity of IA as indexed by YIAT and improved the overall cognitive function and QOL in young adults with IA, as evidenced by MOCA and WHOQOL-Bref, respectively. These findings indicate that RYM was effective in ameliorating the negative effects of IA and can serve as a useful preventive and curative non-pharmacological interventional modality for promoting cognitive and psycho-social well-being in subjects with IA disorder.Item Biomechanical responses on specific load carriage and positive gradient walking: A pilot study(Scientific Scholar, 2024-03) Kaharwar, VS; Kumar, SD; Pal, M.Objectives: Normal load carriage is an inevitable part of military marching tasks. Military tasks are inextricably related to carrying huge loads irrespective of different terrain. Continuous carrying of heavy loads from level ground to uphill gradient may alter kinetic and kinematic responses. Such responses, in the long run, may cause the risk of injury. This study was designed to find out the effects of external load on kinetic and kinematic responses at specific loads and grades (+10°). Materials and Methods: Six healthy Indian soldiers mean (± standard error of mean [SEM]) age 30.5 ± 3.5 years, height 168.7 ± 2.8 cm, weight 73.8 ± 7.08 kg participated in this study, walking on treadmill (Deneb and Polak- speed-1625) at 3.5 kmph for 6 min at 10° inclination for two conditions, with no-load and 30 kg compact-load at controlled laboratory condition 25°C and 50% relative humidity (RH). Compressive, shearing, torque, joint reaction force, and erector-spine forces for kinetic and angular changes of neck, trunk, thigh, forearm, upper arm, and leg were analysed by biomechanical analysis software (Ergomaster 4.6). A paired t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance were applied to determine the significant effects of the load on dependent variables. Results: Significant changes were found in kinetic (compressive, shearing, torque, joint reactive force, and erector spine force) and kinematic (neck and trunk) parameters with subsequent increments of loads. Conclusion: From this study, it was concluded that walking in uphill condition, compressive, shearing, torque, joint reactive force, and erector spine force was found to be increased by 2.58, 4.65, 4.06, 2.83, and 4.06 folds, the angular changes found in neck and trunk were 1.78 and 1.25 folds compared to no-load conditions, respectively. The exerted forces, namely compressive force 74.12%, shearing force 86%, joint reaction force almost 75%, and erector spine force 83.82%, were very close to the injury risk profile; only the change of torque was not much closer to the risk profile. Such findings could be used for recommending load carriage guidelines for future studies.Item The role of oxytocin in the regulation of electrical activity of fallopian tubes in rats(Scientific Scholar, 2024-12) Kazaryan, K; Hunanyan, N; Danielyan, M; Mkrtchyan, A; Chibukchyan, R; Trofimova, Y; Piliposyan, T.Objectives: The effect of oxytocin on spontaneous electrical activities of rhythmogenic areas in the right and left uterine horns (ovarian and cervical areas) was investigated in non-pregnant rats. Materials and Methods: Comparative analysis of the main characteristics of spontaneous activity (amplitude of action potentials [A]; mean rise- rate [V]; rise - time [T/2]; half-width [t] of spikes; total duration of bursts in 1 minute [D], and spike generation frequency [F]) was conducted. Morphofunctional properties of the rat uterine horns were studied by using a histochemical method, which had been developed based on the Homori method. Results: The left ovarian horn area is characterized by parameters significantly exceeding those of the other three areas, which are identical to each other. Administration of oxytocin, as a factor promoting increased excitability of the myometrium, led to significant enhancement of rhythmogenesis in the right ovarian horn area. Morphohistochemical results revealed an increase in enzymatic activity of the myometrium under the influence of oxytocin, with the right ovarian horn area showing the greatest changes. Conclusion: Since oxytocin plays a key role in stimulating activity and enhancing the myometrial contractions of the right fallopian tube, the possibility of additional reserve capabilities in the regulation of the integrative function of the reproductive organs cannot be excluded from the study.Item The influence of desynchronised circadian rhythm on emotional contagion and reactivity: A comparative study(Scientific Scholar, 2024-12) Anand, NS; Shubhangi, M; Martínez, Aarli, CJ; García, Ríos, A; Raniello, V; Rao, S.Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of acute sleep deprivation (12 h) on emotional and autonomic reactivity and processing in nursing shift workers at KLE’s Prabhakar Kore Hospital and MRC. The impact of acute sleep deprivation on emotional behaviour in health-care personnel, especially nurses, is a topic of significant interest in the scientific community. Despite this, the existing body of literature on this topic remains relatively scarce. This is particularly important in the field of nursing, where socioemotional behaviour, irritability and volatilities are compulsory evil and an occupational hazard. This study aims to delve into the effects of acute sleep deprivation on emotional behaviour among shift-working nurses. It explores the correlation between desynchronised circadian rhythms, emotional processing, and reactivity, with a specific focus on their interaction with declarative memory. The impact of sleep deprivation on associative memory is also touched on. Materials and Methods: Seventy-two nursing students (III year) who were posted for night duties (8 p.m.–8 a.m.) and age- and gender-matched day-time working nurses were recruited. Following their respective shifts, they were made to fill Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Stanford Sleepiness Score and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires. To assess emotional contagion, the nurses underwent a facial affective recognition task, and to assess autonomic reactivity, heart rate variability (HRV) in the form of the root mean square of the successive difference (RMSSD) was recorded using an HRV phone tracker. Results: The results of our study prove that sleep deprived group (SD) nurses had poor PSQI global score (females [12 ± 7.6] and males [12.34 ± 5.4]) as compared to daytime controls (female [7 ± 4.8] and male [7.2 ± 6]). Sleep- deprived female nurses showed a tendency toward sleepiness (3.66 ± 0.24) as compared to SD male nurses, who showed greater anxiety (8 ± 1.1) on the HADS questionnaire as compared to daytime controls. During the affective facial recognition task (AFRT) for emotional contagion, the SD female nurses showed hyperarousal to negative valence emotions such as anger (4 ± 11.12) and fear (4.2 ± 9.0) as compared to controls. There was blunting toward positive valence emotions (happy) in SD (1.5 ± 11) as compared to daytime controls (2.5 ± 10.2), but no statistical change among the male SD and controls. HRV in relation to negative valence emotion to assess reactivity (anger) was associated with sympathetic activity characterised by reduced RMSSD (39 ± 7.0) in SD female nurses as compared to controls (51 ± 12.46); no statistically significant change was observed in male counterparts. There was no notable change in emotions such as surprise and disgust among SD and controls in both genders. Conclusion: Results obtained from our study suggest fragmented sleep quality as well as a higher incidence of morning sleepiness in night-shift workers. The AFRT showed heightened hyperarousal following a negative valence (anger and fear) Stimuli but a blunted response toward happy and sad pictures. The vagal dominance in the form of RMSSD showed a blunted response during negative valence emotions, suggesting increased sympathetic preponderance during viewing those during sleep-deprived states.Item Acute oral toxicity evaluation of p-propoxybenzoic acid in Sprague-Dawley rats according to OECD guideline 425 – Up and down method(Scientific Scholar, 2024-12) Raval, K; Tirgar, P.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the acute oral toxicity of p-propoxybenzoic acid (p-PBA) following the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guideline 425. Materials and Methods: Then animals were equally divided into two groups: p-PBA and normal control (NC). The standardised up-and-down procedure involved a limit test, starting with a 2000 mg/kg dose of p-PBA in one animal of the p-PBA group. On confirming the absence of toxicity in one animal, the remaining four animals of p-PBA and five animals of NC group were treated with the same dose of p-PBA and vehicle (1 mL, 0.1% carboxymethyl cellulose), respectively. Monitoring extended over a 14-day period, encompassing observations of body weight, behavioural patterns, blood serum parameters and histopathological examinations. Results: The study revealed no significant difference in the body weight of the p-PBA and NC groups over the 14-day observation period. Behavioural patterns, including respiration, sleep tendencies and itching, showed transient alterations in the p-PBA group, returning to baseline within the study period. Blood parameters, serum renal and lipid profile displayed no statistically significant differences between the groups. Histopathological analysis demonstrated no hypertrophy or abnormalities in the heart, kidney and liver. Minor muscular damage was observed in the heart and a loose network of neurons in the cerebellum. Conclusion: The absence of significant adverse effects on body weight, behavioural patterns and vital organs suggests a favourable safety profile. Minor histopathological findings indicate a nuanced impact on cardiac and neurological tissues, warranting further investigation. The study revealed the acute oral toxicity of p-PBA supporting its potential therapeutic applications.Item Exploring the antidepressant potential of raspberry ketone: Behavioural and neurochemical insights in a chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression model(Scientific Scholar, 2024-12) Jadhav, P; Godad, AP.Objectives: This research investigates the potential antidepressant properties of raspberry ketone (RK) using a chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression model in mice. Materials and Methods: Through a comprehensive examination encompassing behavioural and neurochemical assessments, the study reveals promising outcomes. RK administration results in significant enhancements in locomotor activity, reductions in immobility time and improvements in sucrose preference, indicative of antidepressant-like effects. Results: RK treatment leads to elevated levels of dopamine and serotonin, coupled with a decrease in inflammatory cytokines, suggesting a multifaceted mechanism underlying its therapeutic potential. Conclusion: These findings underscore the promise of RK as a novel antidepressant agent, with implications for developing alternative and potentially more tolerable treatments for depression. Further, exploration into its mechanisms and clinical applicability is warranted.Item Visuospatial attention at high altitude in two ethnically distinct groups of soldiers(Scientific Scholar, 2024-12) Bhattacharyya, D; Ray, K; Kishore, K; Vats, P; Sartmyrzaeva, M; Akunov, A; Maripov, A; Sarybaev, A.Objectives: For strategic purposes, soldiers of different ethnicities are deployed in high-altitude (HA) areas from time to time. During their operations, hypoxia may influence visuospatial attention. Therefore, assessment of visuospatial attention is of paramount importance during HA tenure. Materials and Methods: Two distinct ethnic groups, composed of Indian and Kyrgyz lowland soldiers, were ascended to 3,200 m to assess visuospatial attention. Visual search experiments were conducted for a target in the presence of distractors while simultaneously recording the eye movements. The target present correct reaction time (RTP), target absent correct reaction time (RTA), slopes and intercept of reaction time X set size, fixation duration and saccade latency were measured at baseline, as well as on days 3, 7, 14 and 21 of the HA stay and day 3 of the return from HA. Results: At HA, most of the parameters were significantly changed. Kyrgyz soldiers had higher RTP (e.g. 2179.99 ± 992.21ms for Indian, and 2641.78 ± 142.28 ms for Kyrgyz, with 12 set size, on day 3 at HA) and RTA values, as well as a higher intercept of the visual search than Indian soldiers. Kyrgyz soldiers had higher fixation duration (e.g. 291.75 ± 7.40 ms for Indians, and 303.78 ± 18.93 ms for Kyrgyz, with 16 set size, on Day 3 at HA) and saccade latency (e.g. 326.21 ± 34.88 ms for Indian, and 356.67 ± 67.48 ms for Kyrgyz, with 12 set size, on day 3 at HA) values than Indian soldiers from day 3 onward. Conclusion: The task performance of Indian soldiers improved after day 3 at HA, whereas Kyrgyz soldiers struggled to adapt throughout their stay. The ethnogenetic diversity, life experience variables and demographic characteristics of Indian and Kyrgyz soldiers could all be contributing causes to differences in their visuospatial attention. The hypobaric and hypoxic environment further interacted with all these variations.Item A comparative mixed-method study of flipped classroom and traditional lecture for teaching rational drug prescription among undergraduates in pharmacology(Scientific Scholar, 2024-09) Jitha, S; Thomas, SP.Objectives: Rational drug prescription is a very important competency an Indian Medical Graduate (IMG) should acquire during his undergraduate training. Irrational prescriptions lead to drug resistance, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and drug interactions. The study was aimed to determine the effectiveness of flipped classroom compared to lecture class in teaching rational drug prescription and to compare the perception of students about either methods. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective interventional mixed – method study where students were pseudo-randomised to either Traditional Lecture (TL) or Flipped Classroom (FC) based on the date of their academic session. For the study purpose, 250 phase 2 MBBS students in Pharmacology were divided into two groups. Allocation into 2 groups was done by lot method one week before the scheduled class so that the online study materials could be sent to the students belonging to the flipped classroom method in the form of case scenarios and videos. Results: A total of 198 students participated in the study with 103 in the TL group and 95 in the FC group. Acquisition of higher order cognitive skills like application and analysis was assessed by measuring an academic score obtained from a series of exercises on rational prescription for given clinical scenarios. The academic score of the TL group (5.99 ± 2.34) vs FC group (5.59 ± 1.39 ) thus obtained was not statistically significant p > 0.05, Effect size- 0.08. Conclusion: A questionnaire -based assessment of students’ perceptions of TL and FC showed a statistically significant difference in favour of FC in terms of their perceptions to improve academic scores, generate peer- interaction, facilitate team- work and improve teacher- student interaction.Item Anti-diabetic effects of a phytomedicinal formulation in streptozotocin and high-fat diet-induced diabetic nephropathy(Scientific Scholar, 2024-09) Halande, MP; Patil, PA; Garge, V; Dhar, H.Objectives: The present study ‘To evaluate anti-diabetic activity of phyto-medcinal formulation in high fat diet and low dose sterptozotocin induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) in albino wistar rats’ was carried out at the Department of Pharmacology, Bhararti Vidyapeeth’s college of Pharmacy Sector-8 C.B.D Belapur, Navi Mumbai with the following objectives: (a) To evaluate in vitro anti-oxidant activity of phytomedicinal formulation. (b) To evaluate in vitro anti-diabetic activity of phytomedicinal formulation using MIN-6 cell line. (c) To evaluate in vivo effect of Mentat tablets on oral glucose tolerance test of phytomedicinal formulation in Wistar rats. (d) To evaluate in vivo antidiabetic activity of phytomedicinal formulation in high fat diet and Streptozotocin induced diabeticnephropathy in albino wistar rats. Materials and Methods: The phyto-medicinal formulation ‘Himalaya Mentat tablets’ and marketed anti- diabetic formulation ‘Sanofi’ – Glibenclamide tablets IP 5 mg were procured. The organoleptic properties of the formulation were assessed. Mean ± standard error of the mean (n = 6) is used to express values. Data were examined using Dunnett’s test after a two-way analysis of variance. In comparison to a vehicle, #P < 0.0001, and in comparison to a vehicle group, *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01. Results: The organoleptic properties of tablets comply within the IP limit. The maximum percentage of inhibition shown by mentat tablets at a concentration of 100 ?g/mL was 76.55%, whereas the percentage of inhibition of ascorbic acid at the same dose was determined to be (85.19%). At a concentration of 100 ?g/mL, the maximum % inhibition shown by mentat tablets was (79.4%) while at same concentration the % inhibition of ascorbic acid was found to be (96.1%). At a concentration of 100 ?g/mL, the maximum % inhibition shown by mentat tablets was (79.4%) while at same concentration the % inhibition of ascorbic acid was found to be (96.1%). The efficacy of the formulation to prevent the production of anti-glycation end products (AGEs) was investigated using the anti-glycation assay on mentat tablets. The greatest percentage of mentat tablet inhibition was determined to be 90.09% at a dose of 1000 ?g/mL, whereas the percentage of rutin (STD) inhibition was found to be 82.16% at the same concentration. Mentat tablets, administered at a dose of 1000 ?g/mL in a glucose concentration of 11 mM, demonstrated insulin secretion. The highest insulin secretion was noted at 1000 ?g/mL of mentat tablets. The inclusion of mentat tablets dramatically increased the dose-dependent release of insulin. Mentat tablets (100 mg/ kg) and tablets (200 mg/kg) were effective in lowering high blood glucose levels in all treatment groups. Within 60 and 120 min of the test compound being administered, mentat tablets (200 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.001) decreased the blood glucose level. The treatment groups showed significant (P < 0.01) decrease in serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats compared to disease control group. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly (P < 0.01) increased in treatment groups compared to disease control group. Mentat (200 mg/kg) dose showed significant (P < 0.01) decrease in serum levels of TG, TC and LDL-C andsignificant (P < 0.01) increase in HDL-C levels. In comparison to the disease control group, the administration of mentat (100 mg/kg), mentat (200 mg/ kg), and gibenclamide resulted in a substantial (P < 0.01) rise in the levels of uric acid, creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen in urine. The treatment groups’ urine albumin levels were considerably lower (P < 0.01) than those of the disease control group. Conclusion: The current study offers pertinent proof that the phyto-medicinal formulation known as ‘Mentat tablets’ reduces the risk of DN and the metabolic abnormalities linked to diabetes mellitus. After assessing the mentat pill quality control test, in vitro and in vivo activity were assessed. Since the production of reactive oxygen species is linked to DN, an in vitro assessment of mentat tablets was conducted to determine their anti-oxidant capability. It has been discovered that mentat tablets have antioxidant properties. Additionally, effective in preventing the growth of AGEs a crucial component in the development of DN were mentat pills. The outcomes further demonstrated that Mentat tablets, in addition to its antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities, possesses an innate potential to stimulate insulin production by the MIN6-cell line. In vivo study reveals that mentat tablet (100 mg/kg) and (200 mg/kg) showed significant antidiabetic activity in HFD/STZ induced DN in rats. Mentat tablets (200 mg/kg) showed better results in reduction of elevated blood glucose level during 21 days of treatment. It may be concluded by reducing hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and DN indicators, Mentat pills protect against kidney damage in rats with HFD/STZ-induced DN.Item Sway detection in hypertension as a novel tool to anticipate risk and morbidity due to postural instability(Scientific Scholar, 2024-09) Taranikanti, M; Mudunuru, A; Gaur, A; John, N; Taranikanti, S; Umesh, M; Ganji, V; Medala, K; Varatharajan, S.Objectives: Hypertension contributes substantially to poor physical function and autonomic imbalance. It may cause instability in posture that limits daily activities and can lead to devastating falls. Centre of pressure (CoP) is a commonly used index of postural stability while standing and is a measure of the activity of the motor system, which may be altered in hypertension. It is also observed that the fall incidence is higher in women than men, which may be due to postural instability. The pilot study was conducted to see whether the presence of essential hypertension further contributes to postural instability in women and compared with age-matched normotensive controls. Materials and Methods: Sixteen hypertensive women on regular treatment for hypertension and 16 age-matched normotensive women with a mean age of 51.9 ± 9.1 years were included in the study. The WII balance board was used to measure the CoP and displacement to sway. PowerLab 8/35 (AD instruments) with LabChart software was used to measure the parameters. Results: Displacement of CoP in the mediolateral direction was studied in the trials. The CoP was measured in eyes closed and eyes open conditions and was displaced in both groups, with significant displacement in hypertensive women. With voluntary sway to their right and left sides, hypertensive women have shown significantly less sway displacement compared to normotensive women. In hypertensives, during right sway, the error of correction was 13%. During left sway, overcorrection was high in both hypertensive and normotensive. Conclusion: Postural instability is observed in hypertension, and posturography can be used as a routine screening tool to predict postural instability in hypertensives. Balance training exercise biofeedback protocols and the use of sensory augmentation devices may prove to be useful in improving postural stability.