INDIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY AND ALLIED SCIENCES

A Bilateral Facial Nerve Palsy: A Case Report of Electroacupuncture Intervention

SYAM KUMAR — 2024-12-24

Background: Bilateral facial nerve palsy is a rare condition characterized by paralysis or weakness of the facial muscles on both sides of the face, presenting unique challenges in diagnosis and management. Electroacupuncture, a therapeutic modality that applies electrical stimulation to acupuncture needles, has shown promise in treating various neurological conditions, but its efficacy in bilateral facial nerve palsy remains understudied.

Case Presentation: We present the case of a 42-year-old male patient diagnosed with bilateral facial nerve palsy of unknown etiology. Conventional treatments provided minimal improvement, prompting the exploration of electroacupuncture as an alternative therapy.

Diagnostic Assessment: Clinical examination and imaging confirmed bilateral facial nerve involvement. No contraindications to electroacupuncture were identified.

Therapeutic Intervention: Electroacupuncture treatment targeted specific acupoints along the facial nerve pathways bilaterally, including ST4 (Dicang), ST6 (Jiache), LI4 (Hegu), LI20 (Yingxiang), GB20 (Fengchi), and GV26 (Shuigou) Treatment sessions were administered over three weeks.

Follow-up and Outcome: Following electroacupuncture intervention, the patient reported significant improvement in facial muscle strength and mobility bilaterally. Objective assessments, including standardized facial nerve grading scales, demonstrated notable improvement in facial symmetry and function. No adverse effects were noted during or after treatment.

Discussion: This case highlights the potential efficacy of electroacupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for bilateral facial nerve palsy. Targeted stimulation of acupoints may facilitate neuroregeneration and functional recovery in this challenging condition.

Conclusion: Electroacupuncture intervention appears to be a promising and well-tolerated treatment option for bilateral facial nerve palsy. Further research, including larger clinical trials, is warranted to validate these findings and optimize treatment protocols.

The future of physiology education: Igniting curiosity and innovation through modern teaching methods

Asim Kumar Basak — 2024-12-24

Since the 19th century the importance of physiology as a natural science emerged. There has been a great importance of physiology in the health sector, and thereby the immense expansion of the subject of physiology in education. But in recent eras due to the emergence of multiple branches in the healthcare sector and some other factors, the scope of physiology is getting narrowing. Moreover, the present arena is now considered the age of translational research. But simply by ignoring the basic or fundamental research, there can not be the emergence of a new translational field or even the success of translational research and, thereby, the betterment of our society. This article focuses on challenges and new scopes of the physiologist at this crucial juncture so that there can be a generation of curiosity among the learners to explore the basic or fundamental concept of physiology where there is an immense role of recent developments of teaching-learning methodologies in physiology education and subsequently research.

Understanding the voltaic cell-like nature of moist cellulose thread through the development of a modified version of J.C. Bose’s strain cell: A crucial property for cellulose-based biomedical sensors

Shibsankar Roy — 2024-12-24

Cellulose is considered an important material for biomedical sensor development. In the recent past, several experiments have been conducted to explore several advantageous properties of cellulose for use in biomedical engineering. To investigate the electrical properties of a material, using laboratory-based electrochemical cells is considered a simple technique. It is known that ideally, there should not exist any potential difference (P.D.) between two identical wires obtained from the same piece of metal when connected in the form of an electrochemical cell, with water as the electrolyte. However, in the year 1900, Acharya J.C. Bose had experimentally proved through his Strain Cell instrument that even when two identical metallic pieces, in the form of electrodes obtained from the same metal wire (immersed in water), are connected to a sensitive galvanometer, there exists a minute P.D. between them. In recent times, various experiments have been conducted to develop low-cost modified galvanic cells using cotton salt bridges. In view of this, first, a modified strain cell setup was developed in the laboratory to repeat J.C. Bose’s experiment, and then a single electrode was replaced with moist cotton thread as a stable source of cellulose, connected from electrode to electrolyte to check if there is any qualitative variation in the phenomenon. A similar stable peak voltage, though of a different value as compared to that obtained in the original modified Strain Cell setup, was recorded, thereby confirming a voltaic-cell-like property of the moist cotton thread as well. Identification of such peculiar properties of cellulose in the form of moist cotton-based voltaic cells may help in the development of various types of cellulose-based biomedical sensors.

Altered Osteoprotegerin/RANKL Ratio Contributes to Primary Liver Dysfunction and Bone Loss in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Insights into Extra-Articular Manifestations

Shukdeb Acharjee — 2024-12-24

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by sustained systemic inflammation, leading to joint damage and extra-articular manifestations, such as liver dysfunction. Hypothesis: Reduced osteoprotegerin (OPG) and increased receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) levels in RA contribute to primary liver dysfunction. Materials and Methods: A total of 284 female RA patients and 78 healthy controls were included. RA patients were categorized into low (LDA), moderate (MDA), and high disease activity (HDA) groups based on disease activity scores (DAS-28). Serum levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), OPG, and RANKL were measured through ELISA. Liver function tests, bone mineral density (BMD), and histological analyses were performed. Results: Serum IL-18, TNF-α, and RANKL levels were significantly elevated, while OPG levels were reduced in RA patients, with the highest alterations observed in the HDA group. The OPG/RANKL ratio was inversely correlated with disease activity, liver enzyme levels, and positively correlated with BMD. Histological analysis revealed synovial inflammation and pannus formation, with increased expression of IL-18, TNF-α, and RANKL. RA patients exhibited abnormal liver function parameters, decreased BMD, and osteopenia/osteoporosis. Conclusion: Sustained inflammation in RA, characterized by altered OPG/RANKL homeostasis, contributes to primary liver dysfunction and bone loss, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for managing extra-articular manifestations.

Tissue-specific tendencies of bioaccumulation of PCB 169 in freshwater fish Rasbora daniconius

Advait Bhagade — 2024-12-24

Chronic exposure of the freshwater fish Rasbora daniconius to a sub-lethal concentration of the Poly Chlorinated Biphenyl Congener No. 169 for a continued period of 30 days showed its bioaccumulation in the fish tissues. Collection of samples of some tissues, viz. the gills, kidney, intestine and liver, on every 5th day of exposure, has provided the data for a comparative study of the extent of bioaccumulation in them. Maximum bioaccumulation is seen in the gills, while the least in the liver of the fish.

Prevalence of undernutrition and anemia among male brick workers in north 24-Parganas district of West Bengal, India

Sutanu Dutta Chowdhury — 2024-12-24

Objective: The study was conducted to assess the nutritional and anemia status of adult male brick workers of North 24- Parganas district of West Bengal, India. Methods: 72 randomly selected male brick workers were taken for this cross-sectional study. The nutritional status was assessed from the reference values of body mass index (BMI) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). The 24-hour recall method was used for dietary assessment. Hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit value (HCT%) were measured, and the grade of anemia was assessed. Results: About 34.5 and 40.12% of brick workers were found to be undernourished in terms of BMI and MUAC, respectively. About 91.67% of brick workers were found to be anemic. Consumption of calories and protein and the percent intake of vitamins and minerals were found to be lower than the recommended daily allowance (RDA). SES of brick workers was significantly correlated with their BMI (p <0.05), MUAC (p <0.05), HCT% (p <0.01) and hemoglobin concentration (p <0.001). Conclusion: The present study revealed that a high prevalence of undernutrition and anemia exists in surveyed brick workers. SES and insufficient dietary intake seemed to be the significant determinants of their vulnerable nutritional status and anemia.

A study on the association of demographical factors with the prevalence of diabetes in North Eastern states of India

Sandipan Paul — 2024-12-24

Background: Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a growing epidemic in India. Diabetes has now become a major threat to most of the Indian household. The awareness for prevention of such metabolic disease is negligible among adults with sedentary lifestyles, and obesity is the prime culprit for it. Objective: The aim of the paper is to find an association of demographic factors with the prevalence of diabetes in India and its North Eastern states. Methodology: The data was collected from a cross-sectional study conducted by a longitudinal aging study in the year 2017 of 72,055 individuals aged 45 and above across India. The chi-square test and ANN model are used to study the impact of different demographic variables on the prevalence of diabetes in India and its North Eastern states. Results: Occupation, community, religion, sex, working status, caste, and marital status, and education are the demographic factors that are significantly associated with the prevalence of Diabetes in India. The best ANN model from those significant variables over the prevalence of diabetes is from Arunachal Pradesh, followed by Assam and Nagaland. Conclusion: Diabetes is a burden for a nation like India, but its prevention, treatment, and control are low among the adults of the Indian population, mostly who are married and employed in the government or private sectors.

Association between early enteral nutrition and clinical outcomes in critically ill obese Indian patients: An observational study

S. Ramya — 2024-12-24

Background: Guidelines for the critically ill obese recommend initiating nutrition support within 24-48 hours of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. However, very few studies have reported the effect of early enteral nutrition (EN) in this population. This study evaluated the impact of initiating EN within 12 hours of ICU admission on clinical outcomes in critically ill obese Indian patients. Methods: The study included 140 intubated critically ill obese patients (WHO-Asian obese BMI classification) with a minimum three-day ICU stay. Patients receiving EN within 12 hours (early EN, n=71) of admission were compared with patients initiated on EN after 12 hours (late EN, n=69). Key outcomes included the percentage of target calories and proteins achieved on day three, total calories and proteins delivered, mechanical ventilation days, ICU length of stay (LOS), LOS-hospital, and mortality. Results: The early EN group received significantly higher target calories (84% vs. 78%; p=0.05) and proteins (79% vs. 72%; p=0.05) on day three. The early EN was associated with significantly fewer mechanical ventilation days (6.5 ± 3.5 vs. 9.01 ± 6.1days; p=0.024), LOS-ICU (10 ± 3.5 vs. 14.2 ± 9 days; p=0.009) and LOS-Hospital (15.5 ± 8.1 vs. 24.9 ± 12.5 days; p=<0.001). Mortality rates were similar (18% vs 16%; p=0.71). Conclusion: In critically ill obese Indian patients, EN initiation within 12 hours of ICU admission leads to shorter mechanical ventilation days, LOS-ICU, and LOS-hospital.

The physiology and psychology of competitive sport: A comparative study

Sunaina Anantha — 2024-12-24

Background: The Maastricht acute stress test (MAST) aims to trigger stress responses in both athletic and non-athletic populations, measuring blood pressure (systolic - SBP and diastolic - DBP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), cortisol levels, state anxiety, trait anxiety, and depression. Methods: About 30 competitive male cricket players and thirty non-competitive males participated in trials involving mental and physical stress through the mental arithmetic test (MAT) and cold pressor test (CPT). Participants completed the State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). Measurements were taken at baseline, during the anticipatory phase, during MAST, and in the recovery phase. Results: Competitive individuals displayed lower SBP and DBP. Non-competitive individuals returned to baseline more slowly than competitive individuals. Instructions increased SBP, DBP, and HR, although pre-test values were lower than post-MAST. HR data showed minimal variation over time. Higher levels of despair and stress were correlated with significant SBP elevations. Conclusion: MAST effectively induces both physiological and subjective stress responses, highlighting the need for customized stress management, particularly for athletes who may lack adequate psychological support. This study aims to enhance the mental, emotional, and psychological care provided by healthcare professionals.

Physiological health parameters and nutritional status among college-going girls in Murshidabad District of West Bengal, India

Smritiratan Tripathy — 2024-12-24

Background: Physiological health indicators such as height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) reflect the overall development of a population and are closely linked to nutritional intake patterns. Measurements of blood pressure and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) help to assess disease-related health status within the studied group. There is no such information about the anthropometric data along with respiratory fitness among the college girls of Murshidabad district in West Bengal. Methods: One hundred eleven college girls aged 19-22 years were selected randomly to observe their height, weight, BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse rate, body temperature, respiration rate, PEFR, and handgrip strength. All the girls of the mentioned age group were clinically examined for anemia and vitamin A deficiency, i.e., the finding of beta spot, goiter, and other associated iodine deficiency disorders. The dietary practice among the students was also investigated. Results: Overall results showed that the mean BMI of these girls is 21.23 ± 3.94 kg/sq m, with a mean PEFR value of 315.77 ± 61.06 l/min. As expected, mean hand grip strength was found to be less in the non-dominant hands (16.22 ± 4.00 kg) than in the dominant hand (18.40 ± 4.76 kg). The mean height and weight are slightly elevated in the studied population as compared with the standard ICMR data. Their regular diet should include more nutritional food, as anemia, and Grade 1 Goiter were found in 6.3% and 3.6% of students, respectively. Conclusion: About 50% of the students have a healthy weight, while around 33% are underweight, likely due to nutritional deficiencies. PEFR results show poor respiratory fitness, which could improve with regular exercise. Further investigation is needed to determine the health patterns and nutritional status of female students.

Intricacies of the enigmatic gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori in the context of One Health Approach

Mou Mukhopadhyay — 2024-12-24

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a global health concern, causing chronic inflammation that can lead to gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric adenocarcinoma. While H. pylori primarily colonizes the human stomach, evidence suggests potential zoonotic transmission and its presence in various animal species. This highlights the need for a One Health approach to understand its epidemiology and control. Objective: This study aims to explore the role of animals as reservoirs for H. pylori, examine interspecies transmission dynamics, and assess the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in the context of H. pylori infection. Additionally, it evaluates the implications of antimicrobial resistance and proposes strategies for surveillance and management. Method: A comprehensive review of recent studies was conducted, focusing on zoonotic pathways, environmental factors influencing H. pylori transmission, and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. The study integrates findings from human medicine, veterinary science, and environmental health under the One Health framework. Result: Humans remain the primary reservoir for H. pylori, but evidence of zoonotic transmission underscores the importance of animals as potential secondary hosts. Environmental factors, including contaminated water and poor sanitation, contribute to transmission. The misuse of antibiotics in human medicine and agriculture accelerates antimicrobial resistance, complicating treatment strategies. Conclusion: Understanding H. pylori within the One Health framework is essential to address its multifaceted transmission dynamics and control challenges. Collaborative efforts across human, veterinary, and environmental health sectors are vital for effective surveillance, prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship. Integrating these strategies can promote the health and welfare of individuals and ecosystems globally.

Papermill publications - Editorial trouble: A first-hand experience

Arani Das — 2024-12-24

The academic contents are facing the threat of papermill attacks in recent years. The undue intrusions of these falsely prepared academic contents in the field of intellect arena are creating a menace in the current stakeholders of the academic field and also surely have long-lasting effects on society. The Indian Journal of Physiology and Allied Science has recently faced a huge manuscript submission within a span of a short period. The submissions and listed authors were affiliated with a single institute. All of these manuscripts were incomplete and were submitted through a single email address. The incident jeopardized the manuscript management system and challenged the editorial process of the journal. The current write-up is to make a record of the incident with scientific analyses so that the system can learn and remain better prepared for such attacks in the future.

The evolution of medical education: Embracing self-directed learning

Arunima Chaudhuri — 2024-12-24

Self-directed learning (SDL) is increasingly recognized as a crucial component in medical education, aligning with the need for lifelong learning and adaptability in the rapidly evolving medical field. Faculty development plays a pivotal role in the successful implementation of SDL by equipping educators with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to foster a supportive learning environment. This review explores the multifaceted role of faculty development in promoting SDL in medical education, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive training programs, institutional support, and the creation of a culture that values continuous learning and student autonomy.