Indian Journal of Physiology and Allied Sciences

Artificial intelligence Tools: The digital colleague of the digital natives

2025-06-13T10:59:15+00:00

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming physiology education and research from a futuristic concept into an essential "digital colleague." Once reliant on textbooks and manual tools, students now interact with AI-powered assistants capable of real-time ECG interpretation, heart modeling, and interactive feedback. In classrooms, AI facilitates adaptive learning, 3D simulations, personalized tutoring, and efficient data tracking—customized to meet diverse learning needs. In research, AI accelerates discovery by uncovering hidden patterns, streamlining literature reviews, and aiding in data analysis. Yet, as AI reshapes teaching and learning, educators must transition from information providers to metacognitive coaches and wisdom designers, guiding students toward the ethical and responsible use of these technologies. The integration of AI presents not only opportunities but also challenges: data privacy, algorithmic bias, the digital divide, and over-reliance pose risks to equity and human judgment. Recognizing AI as a tool—not a replacement—helps preserve empathy, creativity, and moral reasoning. Educators must promote digital literacy and critical thinking to prepare future physiologists who can navigate and collaborate with AI systems. The future of physiology lies not in resisting AI but in harnessing its potential while upholding the core values of education and research. Together, humans and machines can drive the field forward with integrity and innovation.

The recent crisis in WHO: What are the implications for global health policy?

2025-05-13T06:56:49+00:00

On January 20, 2025, the US decided to withdraw its support for the World Health Organization (WHO). This naturally raises questions regarding the repercussions on global health. This perspective focuses on the short-term and long-term effects on WHO, with special reference to finances, which will severely compromise WHO’s ability to respond to health crises worldwide. Moreover, financial constraints will result in severe health inequities, hamper pandemic preparedness programs, and halt international collaborations. The article also examines whether private funding from philanthropic organizations could help bridge the financial gap. However, assistance from the private sector could potentially shift priorities away from health emergencies that require urgent attention. The author discusses the health consequences that US’s withdrawal may have on US itself, as well as the world as a whole, with a special emphasis on India, and also suggests possible remedial measures.

L-Methionine production in 21st century: A paradigm shift from chemistry to microbiology

2025-01-17T08:18:35+00:00

Japan began large-scale fermentation production of amino acids more than 75 years ago. However, L-methionine is an exception that cannot be produced on a large scale by fermentation, and hence no successful production plant has been established. It is most likely due to a lack of knowledge about its bacterial biosynthesis, including feedback regulation. Due to its huge market demands, several trials have been made but have been unsuccessful. This review tries to give an overview of how it was discovered, how it is made on a large scale, how the global market works, the metabolic pathways for bacterial synthesis of stereospecific production of L-methionine, how it is exported outside of cells, recent progress, recovery from production media, problems, and possible futures in this century.

Vitamin D deficiency – A silent threat in expression of polycystic ovary syndrome: A case-control study

2024-11-09T05:33:21+00:00

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrinopathy in childbearing-aged women. Vitamin D deficiency
(VDD) is now considered an alarming contributor to the pathophysiology of this syndrome. The levels of serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin
D [25(OH)D] can potentially modulate features of PCOS, such as hyperandrogenism. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted
with 80 patients with PCOS, and their gender, age (18–35 years), and ethnicity-matched 100 healthy controls, from July 2023 to March
2024, in and around Kolkata. With their informed consent, the anthropometric parameters were recorded for these volunteers. Free
cortisol and sex hormone-binding-globulin (SHBG) were evaluated in the saliva of both groups of volunteers. Serum levels of vitamin
D, estradiol (E2), LH, FSH, progesterone, and free testosterone were estimated. SPSS and Microsoft Office Excel were used for data
analysis. Results: The prevalence of VDD and VD insufficiency (VDI) among the studied PCOS population was 84 and 11%, respectively.
Vitamin D showed a significant inverse correlation with the LH/FSH ratio and free testosterone and an agonistic association with SHBG,
estradiol, and progesterone. Additionally, it was found that VDD had a positive association with stress. The cortisol levels in the PCOS
patients belonging to both the normal and overweight/obese categories were greater than those of BMI-matched control participants.
Conclusion: VDD might be a silent risk factor in the penetrance of a multifaceted syndrome like PCOS.

Pulmonary ventilation ratios in normal and overweight/obese children carrying variously loaded backpacks

2024-11-20T07:11:54+00:00

Objectives: Pulmonary response to physical activity (PA) varies with intensity, Body Mass Index (BMI). The study records Inspiratory: expiratory ratio [I:E ratio] reflecting oxygenation status and breath counts during progression of PA which is undocumented, specifically, during schoolbag carriage- the most common PA in children. Design: 60 walk sessions (N=60), 20-min each, were recorded in 12 male schoolchildren (10-15 years) (n=6 normal BMI, n=6 overweight/obese BMI). They walked at their preferred pace with schoolbags weighing 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16% of bodyweight on 5 different occassions. Methods: The bodyweight and height was recorded for participants on obtaining guardian’s consent. Pulmonary response during walk was recorded using COSMED k4b2 which records data for each breath taken during the 20-min walk. Results: Breath counts increased with load, duration of schoolbag carriage and BMI. Ti and Te differed significantly (p<0.01) with load, duration of schoolbag carriage and BMI. Percentage of breaths deviating from normal I:E ratio of 1:2 were higher in case of higher loads and BMI. Conclusion: Equal and inverse ratio ventilations increased during the end of PA and may be the normal physiological response to improve oxygenation in body.

Effect of occupational heat exposure on brick kiln workers in Eastern India

2024-07-30T06:44:33+00:00

Background: This study investigated the outcome of environmental heat and humidity on the health and productivity of brick kiln workers in eastern India, who are regularly confronted with high temperatures and humidity. Materials and methods: Both male and female workers were assessed for heat exposure impacts using the WBGT index and HOTHAPS questionnaire, and their productivity and working heart rates were also examined. Results: The results showed extremely high WBGT levels at midday, leading to early signs of heat stress such as sweating, headaches, rashes, fatigue, and heat exhaustion. Male brick moulders experienced productivity losses of 3.75% to 6.56% per 1°C rise in WBGT across the 1st to 5th hours of exposure, while female moulders saw losses of 5.55% to 6.48%. Higher temperatures also correlated with increased heart rates, indicating cardiovascular strain. Conclusion: The study underscored the differing impacts of heat on male and female workers, emphasizing the need for gender-specific interventions to mitigate occupational heat exposure.

Magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) pulsatile motion of blood with wall slip velocity and periodic body acceleration

2024-11-08T10:49:23+00:00

Background: The present investigation is concerned with the theory of a model of the pulsatile motion of blood through a mild stenosedlong tube under the influence of a uniform transverse magnetic field and periodic body acceleration. Methods: In the present investigation,a mathematical model has been developed to study the effect of externally applied uniform transverse magnetic field on blood motionthrough stenosed vessels, considering slip velocity at the vessel’s endothelium. Results: To analyze the problem, blood is assumed tobe incompressible and Newtonian homogeneous fluid as far as large arteries’ shear rate is high. Noting the behavior of red cells in thearteries, the possibility of the role of slip velocity at the wall under certain conditions has been considered. Also, since for biologicalsystems, blood is conducted with a low magnetic Reynolds number, the flow is supposed to be under the action of a uniform magneticfield for which the induced magnetic field can be neglected. Moreover, the pulsatile motion is generated by sinusoidal behavior andis affected by periodic body acceleration. Exact solutions of the relevant equations are obtained using Laplace and Hankel integraltransforms. Conclusion: The expressions for axial velocity, flow rate, fluid acceleration, and shear stress are given in analytical for us. Theeffects of magnetic field and body acceleration on the solutions have been discussed graphically. The present study seems to immerseimportance in diversified fields of biomedical engineering.

Comparative analysis of Maitland mobilization versus Butler’s neural mobilization techniques with concurrent use of muscle energy technique for shoulder adhesive capsulitis: A prospective study

2025-01-08T16:03:12+00:00

Background: Shoulder peri-arthritis/adhesive capsulitis/frozen shoulder is a progressive self-limited shoulder capsule inflammation characterized by pain and global restriction in shoulder Range of Motion (ROM), such as shoulder flexion, abduction, and internal and external rotation. The shoulder capsule joint complex thickens and adheres to the underlying bone in this condition. Very few studies have been conducted to date to compare the effectiveness of Maitland mobilization versus Butler’s neural mobilization in common use with Muscle Energy Technique (MET) in the management of adhesive capsulitis. Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Maitland mobilization versus Butler’s neural mobilization with concurrent use of MET in managing adhesive capsulitis.Methods: Thirty individuals presented with symptoms of adhesive capsulitis in the Physiotherapy Clinic of Brainware University. They were divided randomly into two groups: (i) Group A received Maitland mobilization +MET. (ii) Group B received Butler’s neural mobilization + MET. The treatment was scheduled for four weeks, three sessions per week for both groups. The pain intensity level and functional mobility were assessed before and after treatment. Results: Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score for inter-group comparison showed significant improvement in Group B patients compared to Group A, along with ROM, especially the abduction and internal rotation.Conclusion: The present study illustrates that both groups experienced significant improvements in ROM, with Group B showing better ROM and a significant reduction in SPADI score.

Assessment of fugitive personal noise intensity exposure among open-type hot forging industrial workers

2024-11-26T15:28:47+00:00

Background: Fusitive noise exposure is a major occupational hazard for workers in open-type hot forging industries I and II, which manufacture products like plain shafts, hubs, big nuts, spindles, piston rods, seat/bearing/gaskets, gear rings, etc., using two-ton and one-ton hammers.Objective: To assess the fugitive personal noise dose intensity exposure among exposed workers.Methodology: The personal noise intensity exposure was measured by using a noise dosimeter, among exposed workers for 8 hours full shift.Results: The personal noise intensity exposure, time-weighted average (TWA),in both industries individually and combined were 91.87 ± 1.47 dB(A), 93.17 ± 1.65 dB(A), and 92.56 ± 1.68 dB(A), respectively. The L_EQ noise intensity for both industries individually and combined data were 94.22 ± 2.03 dB(A), 96.77 ±2.64 dB(A), and 95.59 ± 2.67 dB(A). Both TWA and L_EQvalues between Industry I and II were different and this was statistically significant (p<0.05).The L_peak noise intensity in linear scale for Industry I, II and combined data were 139.78 ± 8.03 dB(Z), 141.35 ±6.76 dB(Z), and 140.62 ± 7.33 dB(Z), respectively.Conclusion:The noise intensity was above 90 dB(A) as per statutory guidelines of the Factories Act 1948, and Mines Act 1952. Preliminary findings of this study indicate that the workers may develop stress and health effects like Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) if proper actions are not followed. Accordingly, suitable intervention suggestions were given to them. The results were further compared with World Health Organization (WHO) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

Exploring the molecular interactions between cadmium and glycogen synthase kinase-3β in Alzheimer’s disease and their implications for neurodegeneration and therapeutic strategies

2024-11-11T11:20:06+00:00

Background: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia, characterized by neurodegeneration associated with the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau proteins. Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β (GSK3β) plays a critical role in these processes. Hypothesis: This study explores cadmium’s interaction with GSK3β, positing that cadmium-induced activation of GSK3β exacerbates neurodegeneration in AD. Materials and Methods: We employed bioinformatics tools for molecular docking analyses of cadmium acetate and GSK3β, utilizing structures from the Protein Data Bank. Binding affinities were assessed across multiple binding modes, with interactions analyzed using Discovery Studio and PyRx software. Results: Cadmium exhibited strong binding affinities to GSK3β, with the most favorable binding observed in Mode 1 (-3.4 kcal/mol). Interaction analysis revealed significant involvement of key residues (e.g., Arg223, Ser215), highlighting various bonding interactions, including hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. Conclusion: The findings indicate that cadmium binding may disrupt normal GSK3β function, potentially enhancing tau hyperphosphorylation and amyloid-beta accumulation, contributing to AD pathophysiology. This research underscores cadmium’s role as a neurotoxin in AD and suggests targeted therapeutic strategies to mitigate its effects on GSK3β, offering avenues for novel interventions in neurodegenerative diseases.

Computational drug repurposing: Posaconazole emerges as a potent NAMPT inhibitor, offering promise for precision cancer therapeutics

2025-02-11T04:31:44+00:00

Cancer cells require high NAD+ levels to sustain their rapid growth, relying primarily on the salvage pathway for NAD+ replenishment. The overexpression of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), a key enzyme in this pathway, correlates with the increased NAD+ demand in cancer cells, making it a critical target for anticancer drug development. Moreover, a few small-molecule inhibitors targeting NAMPT have shown promise in restricting tumor growth, further establishing NAMPT as a potential therapeutic target in cancer treatment. This computational study aims to identify potential NAMPT inhibitors that can effectively suppress the over-activated NAD+ salvage pathway in cancer cells, thereby inhibiting tumor growth. Instead of developing novel inhibitors from scratches, this study specifically aims to screen approved drugs using computational methods to find a repurposable drug that binds strongly to NAMPT, offering a faster and cost-effective approach to cancer treatment. Initially, molecular docking was employed to screen 1,615 approved drugs, followed by a detailed examination of drug-protein interactions using advanced computational techniques, including molecular dynamics simulation, principal component analysis, and MM-PBSA. Among the screened compounds, posaconazole, an antifungal drug, emerged as a top candidate with a high affinity for the NAMPT active site, surpassing a known synthetic NAMPT inhibitor. Molecular dynamics simulations and MMPBSA confirmed the stability of the NAMPT-posaconazole complex, further supporting its potential as a NAMPT inhibitor. However, further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical validation is essential to confirm its anticancer efficacy.

The potential use of Gomphrena celosioides Mart. (Amaranthaceae) for the control of malaria, dengue, and filariasis vector: An eco-friendly botanical management of mosquitoes

2025-03-28T15:52:01+00:00

Background: Mosquitoes pose a significant public health threat because they can transmit dreadful diseases such as Zika, dengue and malaria. Hence, there is increased interest in using plant-derived pesticides as an alternative to chemical synthetic larvicides, which have adverse effects on overall human health and the environment. Objectives: The aim of this work was to assess the effects on larvae of vector mosquitoes Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus using crude extracts of Gomphrena celosioides derived from methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and hexane. Methodology: The part of the plant crude extracts (from 6 to 75 µg/ml) were tested. The larvicidal activity was measured after 24 hours of treatment. Results: The results showed that larval mortality increased with dosage, with 100% mortality at the highest concentration. G. celosioides extracts were found to possess larvicidal properties. Among the four solvent extracts tested for efficacy against mosquito larvae, methanol extract shown the best performance against An. stephensi, Ae. aegypti, and Cx. quinquefasciatus (LC₅₀= 12.53, 13.39 and 14.31; LC₉₀ = 24.77, 25.36 and 26.97 µg/ml, respectively). Conclusion: This finding offers additional insight that plant extracts could eventually serve as a replacement for chemicals that control mosquito populations.