Department Of Physiology Research Articles

Effectiveness of pulmonary function test as elective module among undergraduate medical students

Objectives: We selected pulmonary function test (PFT), a widely used investigation for diagnosis and monitoring of patients having respiratory complaints in Block I (preclinical) Physiology as an elective module since exposure of undergraduate medical students to PFT is inadequate in formal medical training. The elective module in medical curriculum was introduced by national medical commission (NMC) to provide ample opportunity to the students to opt for any course of their choice not covered by traditional syllabus. This will help them to enhance their knowledge, skill, lateral thinking, creativity, experiential learning, communication ability, team-based collaborative learning thus developing their personal and professional confidence in dealing with resource-limited unfavorable circumstances. Hence we introduced this elective to sensitize the future physicians about the importance of PFT, attract their interest in the subject of Physiology and motivate them to choose Physiology as a career preference. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Department of Physiology to create a time-bound activity schedule on the implementation of PFT as an elective module on 32 Phase III part I M.B.B.S students. We assessed the improvement in knowledge and skill by comparing pre-test and post-test results. We have used the Kirkpatrick evaluation model Level 1 to record the reaction of the students and Level 2 to evaluate their confidence regarding PFT after the course. Thematic analysis was performed on the perception and feedback of students and faculties. Results: We observed that all 32 participating students showed statistically significant (P < 0.0001) improvement in both knowledge gain and skill development. This course helped them increase their confidence to perform PFT independently on patients, interpreting reports, diagnosing various respiratory diseases and enabling them to apply this knowledge to manage the clinical cases in the hospital wards and in the emergency department. Thematic analysis of responses of students pointed out the strengths, weaknesses and suggestions for betterment of the module. The SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities,Threats) analysis of the perception of faculties guided us to devise a modified framework for the implementation of the PFT module in the future. Conclusion: The elective module on PFT was implemented successfully in our institution with a positive impact on students, assisting them to progress from basic comprehension of the physiology of lung mechanics to independent interpretation of PFT reports to utilising PFT in clinical reasoning and decision-making.

A Study to Quantify the Exercise Stress in Terms of Oxygen Consumption and Anaerobic Threshold in Patients of Suspected Coronary Artery Disease during Conventional Treadmill Testing

ABSTRACT Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, and early detection is crucial for effective management. Exercise stress testing, particularly treadmill testing, is widely used to assess cardiovascular function, with oxygen consumption (VO2) and anaerobic threshold (AT) serving as key indicators of cardiovascular fitness and exertional capacity. The aim of this study is to quantify exercise stress using VO2 and AT in patients with suspected CAD during conventional treadmill testing. These parameters may provide additional insight into the severity of coronary artery blockages and help in predicting cardiovascular events. Objective: The objective of this study is to quantify the exercise stress in terms of oxygen consumption (VO2) and AT in patients with suspected CAD using conventional treadmill testing. Material and Method: The present study was conducted in the Department of Physiology at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Sawangi Meghe Wardha Maharashtra. The study included 100 patients with suspected CAD, aged 40 to 70 years. These patients presented with symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, or a family history of cardiovascular disease, prompting the need for exercise stress testing. A control group of 50 healthy individuals matched by age and sex was also included for comparison. Result: The study demonstrated that VO2 and AT levels significantly correlated with the presence and severity of CAD in patients. Patients with CAD exhibited lower VO2 levels and earlier onset of anaerobic threshold compared to the healthy control group. The results suggest that these parameters could be used as effective indicators in the early detection of CAD. Conclusion: The study highlights that measuring oxygen consumption and AT during treadmill testing can enhance the assessment of cardiovascular stress and provide valuable prognostic information in patients with suspected CAD.

EXPLORING THE PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPACT OF EXCESSIVE SCREEN TIME ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUTH OF HYDERABAD, SINDH

Background: The growing popularity of electronic devices in entertainment and education has encouraged young adults, especially adolescents, to spend more time in front of screens. There are growing incidences of anxiety, depression, and suicidal attempts among them. In 1990, 170 million people were suffering from depression, which rose to 270 million in 2019, accounting for a 64% rise in the prevalence of the disease. Aims & Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate link between increasing anxiety and depression among young adults and their duration of screen time exposure. Material & Method: The current study was a survey-based study that was carried out at the Sindh University of Jamshoro from March 2024 to April 2024 (2 months) after obtaining ethical approval from the Physiology Department via latter no Physiol/77. The sample size was 550 participants in the 15- to 19-year-old age group. After written consent, a comprehensive and modified DASS 21 questionnaire was distributed among the participants, who were the students of Sindh University Jamshoro. Results: The result shows increase in screen time contributes more to the incidence of anxiety and depression (P value 0.02, df: 2, x2 = 7.5), while excessive screen exposure at night is more contributory to anxiety and depression than daytime (df = 2, x2 = 6.9, P value = 0.03). Conclusion: It was concluded that there is a definite link between excessive screen exposure and an increased ratio of anxiety and depression among adolescents.

MODERATE EXERCISE AND ANTIOXIDANT DYNAMICS: UNRAVELLING THE INFLUENCE OF FAMILY HISTORY IN PREDIABETES

Objectives: This study investigates the effects of moderate-intensity physical activity on glycemic control and antioxidant capacity in prediabetics, regardless of whether they have a family history of diabetes. Methods: It was conducted at the Physiology Department of the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences in Peshawar, Pakistan. The study included a cohort of 50 adult participants who were diagnosed with prediabetes. Out of the total, 25 individuals had a positive family history of diabetes (PFHG), and the other 25 had a negative family history (NFHG). The group consisted of 22 females and 28 males, whose ages ranged from 18 to 35 years. The diagnosis of prediabetes was made based on glycated hemoglobin values falling between 5.7-6.4% and impaired fasting glucose levels ranging from 100-125 mg/dL. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical testing were conducted before and after the exercise session. The Participants engaged in moderate exercise for 30 minutes, with a maximum heart rate of 70% ± 5%, five days a week for eight weeks. Their exercise was tracked using a pedometer. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent test (ELISA) was conducted to measure both individual and total antioxidants. Results: Anthropometric measurements, fasting blood glucose (P<0.001), and glycated hemoglobin (P<0.001) showed significant changes at post-intervention. A slight rise in uric acid levels (P<0.005) and a substantial increase in total antioxidant concentration (P<0.001) was observed. Peroxidase, vitamin C, and nitric oxide significantly dropped (P<0.001). Conclusion: Engaging in moderate physical activity for 8 weeks, there was a notable decrease in the levels of individual antioxidants. Additionally, there was a slight increase in overall antioxidant capacity and uric acid. Both groups experienced an apparent fall in their anthropometric measurements and diabetes profile.

Electrodiagnostic assessment of autonomic nervous system in diabetic autonomic neuropathy: Case series in 72 diabetes patients

ABSTRACT Diabetic autonomic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes which is asymptomatic in early stage. Hence HRV and AFT are performed to detect and prevent its progression to advanced stages. To discuss the HRV and AFT findings in diabetic patients. An observational study was conducted in Physiology department of AIIMS, Bhopal in collaboration with the Medicine department of the institute. Seventy-two diagnosed Type-2 Diabetes mellitus patients were examined using POWER LAB AND LAB CHART 8 BY AD INSTRUMENT: For recording heart rate variability (HRV) and Ewing’s battery of tests: For Autonomic function testing. Microsoft Excel was utilized for data compilation and for result analysis. In the present study, based on HRV parameters sympathetic involvement was seen in 39% while parasympathetic involvement was seen in 15% of patients. Balanced state was observed in 46% of the patients. Based on AFT battery, normal early involvement was observed in 62% of the patients while definite and severe involvement was observed in 14 and 24%, respectively. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy was observed in 72% of the patients based on HRV and AFT testing. In severe involvement, orthostatic hypotension was seen. Severe involvement was observed in 24% of the patients in present study. Involvement of the vagal parasympathetic component of ANS was obvious evidenced by increase in resting heart rate, decrease in Valsalva ratio, E/I index, and standing ratio. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy was observed in majority of patients with normal early involvement seen predominantly and though majority of them were in balanced state, sympathetic involvement was also seen at large. HRV studies depicted a decrease of total power, decreased low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) with LF/HF and SD1/SD2 ratios depicting sympathetic involvement.

Cathy Barr: Genetics and neurobiology of childhood psychiatric and cognitive disorders

Cathy Barr completed her Ph.D. in molecular biology at the University of Texas, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M.D. Anderson Cancer Center) in Houston, Texas, followed by postdoctoral training in the genetics of complex behaviors at Yale University and the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Currently serving as a Senior Scientist at both the Hospital for Sick Children and the Krembil Research Institute (University Health Network) and as a Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Physiology at The University of Toronto, Dr. Barr investigates the genetic foundations of behavior, cognition, and psychiatric disorders with established genetic predispositions. Her research mainly focuses on childhood-onset conditions, including depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, reading disabilities, and Tourette syndrome, with special emphasis on understanding shared risk factors across disorders – a critical area given that children with neurodevelopmental disorders face a fivefold increased risk of depression. Through innovative approaches, Dr. Barr and her research team have successfully identified risk-contributing genes. They are investigating how DNA variations in these genes influence gene function and neural cell behavior. In this Genomic Press Interview, she generously shares insights from her groundbreaking research into the genetic underpinnings of childhood psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Ukrainian scientists at the Tselinograd State Medical Institute: Contribution to education and science (1960s)

The article examines the work, scientific achievements, and contribution of Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Viktor Rafailovich Faitelberg-Blank and Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor Maria Vasilievna Kropelnitskaya to the development of the Tselinograd State Medical Institute in the 1960s. Authors used the methods of microhistory and comparative historical analysis to achieve the goal of the study, which made it possible to comprehensively reveal the activities of scientists and organizers of medical education V. R. Faitelberg-Blank and M. V. Kropelnitskaya in the Virgin Land. The authors used archival funds and documents, and brief historiographical reviews during the research. For the first time, a set of sources have been introduced into scientific circulation that allow a new look and an objective assessment of the activities of Ukrainian scientists at the Tselinograd Medical Institute. Based on documentary materials from the State Archives of Astana, information from the surviving personal files of V. R. Faitelberg-Blank and M. V. Kropelnitskaya, the main stages of their formation as scientists and teachers in the territory of Ukraine, as well as the reasons for their appearance in Kazakhstan to work at the medical institute have been specified. The activities of V. R. Faitelberg-Blank as the founder of the Department of Pathological Physiology contributed to forming a scientific school that received recognition in Kazakhstan. Also he was engaged in the general development of the problems of “physiology and pathology of digestion”. Despite the short time of V. R. Faitelberg-Blank's work at the institute (1965–1967), he was one of the first scientists at the university who contributed to instilling in his colleagues’ scientific skills of experimental work with animals. The article focuses on the fact that the scientist's many years of experience led to the development of long-term scientific interests of the department in the study of functional and somatic muscles and the gastrointestinal tract under static load and exposure to high-frequency physical agents. V. R. Faitelberg-Blank laid the traditions of teaching students, which has become the foundation for the training of qualified medical personnel in Kazakhstan. The authors have proved the enormous role of M. V. Kropelnitskaya in the formation of the Department of Internal Diseases Propaedeutics, which received recognition as a scientific school engaged in the study of specific methods of treating patients with pathologies of internal organs. M. V. Kropelnitskaya paid students great attention to the study of many physiological processes in norm and pathology. For the first time at the university, she accompanied theoretical material with a demonstration of patients during classes and gave relevant clinical examples. In conclusion, a resume has been made about the enormous contribution of the scientific and pedagogical heritage of V. R. Faitelberg-Blank and M. V. Kropelnitskaya to the development of medical education in virgin Kazakhstan.

Association of BMI, Waist-hip Ratio and Skinfold Thickness with Sensory Conduction of the Median Nerve in First-year Medical Students: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) is a widely used electrodiagnostic tool to evaluate the health of the peripheral nervous system. First-year medical students, due to extensive use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and academic pressure, often have limited time for physical activity, potentially influencing nerve conduction. Understanding the influence of anthropometric factors on nerve conduction in this population can help suggest preventive strategies to maintain nerve health. Aim: To examine the association between various anthropometric variables with median nerve sensory conduction parameters like latency, amplitude, and Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) in first-year medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, India from January 2019 to December 2019. Out of the total population, 110 students were selected through simple random sampling after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-hip Ratio (WHR), and skinfold thickness, were recorded. Median nerve sensory conduction was assessed at the wrist in both hands. Data were analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0, and associations between BMI, WHR, skinfold thickness and nerve conduction parameters were evaluated using Student’s t-test. Results: For height, no statistically significant differences were found for latency (p=0.15) and amplitude (p=0.65), although shorter individuals had slightly lower NCV compared to those of normal height (p<0.01). BMI categories showed no significant differences in latency, amplitude, or NCV, though underweight individuals had slightly higher NCVs (54.60 m/s) than those of normal weight (51.96 m/s, p=0.54). A WHR ≤0.9 was associated with significantly higher right-hand amplitude (37.63 μV vs. 28.20 μV, p=0.013) and lower left-hand NCV (51.51 m/s vs. 55.02 m/s, p=0.03). Skinfold thickness showed no significant correlation with nerve conduction parameters (p>0.05). These findings suggest that height and WHR may impact specific aspects of nerve conduction, with potential implications for clinical assessments. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that anthropometric variables, including height, weight, and WHR, significantly influence median nerve sensory conduction parameters. These findings highlight the importance of considering body composition when interpreting Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS), particularly in populations with lifestyle constraints like medical students.

Assessing the accuracy and efficiency of Chat GPT-4 Omni (GPT-4o) in biomedical statistics: Comparative study with traditional tools.

To assess the accuracy of ChatGPT-4 Omni (GPT-4o) in biomedical statistics. The recent novel inauguration of Artificial Intelligence ChatGPT-Omni (GPT-4o), has emerged with the potential to analyze sophisticated and extensive data sets, challenging the expertise of statisticians using traditional statistical tools for data analysis. This study was performed in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in May 2024. Three datasets in a raw Excel file format were imported onto Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 for data analysis. Based on this analysis, a script of 9 questions was prepared to command GPT-4 Omni, which was used for data analysis for all 3 datasets on Omni. The score and the time were recorded for each result and verified after being compared to the original analysis results performed on SPSS. GPT-4 Omni scored 73 (85.88%) out of 85 points for all 3 datasets. All datasets took a total of 38.43 minutes to be fully analyzed. Individually, Omni scored 21/25 (84%) for the small dataset in 487.4 seconds, 20/25 (80%) for the middle dataset in 747.02 seconds and 32/35 (91.42%) for the large dataset in 1071 seconds. GPT-4 Omni produced accurate graphs and charts. ChatGPT-4 Omni scored better over 80% in all 3 statistical datasets in a short period. GPT-4 Omni also produced accurate graphs and charts as commanded however it required explicit commands with clear instructions to avoid errors and omission of results to achieve appropriate results in biomedical data analysis.

Impact of eyesight, BMI, and the use of screen-based devices on mental well-being.

To observe any association between mental health and potential contributors, i.e., BMI, eyesight, and number of screen-based devices in young adults. The study proceeded after obtaining the necessary ethical approval (Ref. # 689/ERC/CMH/LMC) from the institutional ERC at CMH LMC & IOD. It was a cross-sectional study, conducted with undergraduate students aged 16-25 years from June to September 2022 at Department of Physiology at CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry. Those who had any history of using CNS stimulants or depressants were excluded from the study. The data was collected via a pre-designed, validated questionnaire. Sample t-test, single tail one-way ANOVA, and post-hoc Tukey's test were used for statistical analysis, ensuring a 95% confidence interval. A non-significant percentage increase in mental well-being (MWB) score of 7.09% was found in males (p=0.142). No significant difference was observed in MBW scores and BMI (p=0.129), however, underweights showed the minimum scores (38.8±7.1). In all eyesight groups, no significant difference was noticed in MBW scores (p=0.316), though those who collectively present with hyperopia and myopia expressed minimum scores (35.4±9.8). The use of different screen-based devices showed a significant association with mental health (p=0.041), while the lowest MBW scores were found in those who were using only smartphones (38.9±8.0). There was no discernible difference in MWB for daily screen time. Students who used only smartphones had significantly lower MWB scores than those who used smartphones and laptops. The study found low MWB scores among underweight individuals and those who were with both eye-sight issues i.e. myopia as well as hyperopia.

Corrigendum to: Neuropeptide Network of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - A Review.

An error was found in the affiliations of the author in the article titled 'Neuropeptide Network of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - A Review'', published in Protein and Peptide Letters, 2024, 31(9), 667-680 [1]. Details of the error and a correction are provided here. Original: *Address correspondence Department of Physiology, Dr. ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani, Chennai 600 113, India; E-mail: drgsathyanarayanan@gmail.com Corrected: *Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Physiology, Dr. ALM PG Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani, Chennai 600 113, India; E-mail: drgsathyanarayanan@gmail.com We regret the error and apologize to readers. The original article can be found online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0109298665309949240822105900 PMID: 39313871.

Impact of Occupational Cement Dust Exposure on Hematological Health Parameters: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Contact with the dust of cement consisting of toxic components brings about inflammatory damage (often irreversible) to the body of a human being. The circulatory system exhibits sensitivity to inflammatory changes in the body, and one of the earliest changes may be observed in the blood parameters like mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). MCHC and MCH are possibly easily accessible and affordable parameters that can detect harmful changes in the body before any irreversible damage occurs. Objectives This research aimed to seek the changes in MCHC and MCH upon occupational contact with the toxic dust of cement. Methods The execution of this research was done in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Bangladesh, and a cement plant in Munshiganj, Bangladesh. This research was carried out between September 2017 and August 2018. Individuals (20 to 50 years old, 92 male adults) participated and were grouped into the group with occupational cement dust impact (46 subjects) and the group without occupational dust of cement impact (46 subjects). Data was collected in a pre-designed questionnaire. An independent sample t-test was conducted to analyze statistical and demographic data like body mass index and blood pressure. A multivariate regression model was applied to note the impact of cement dust on the group working in this dusty environment. Again, a multivariate regression model was employed to observe whether the duration of exposure to this dust affected MCHC and MCH. The significance level was demarcated at p < 0.05 Stata-15 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX, US) for statistical analysis, and GraphPad Prism v8.3.2 (Insight Venture Management, LLC, New York, NY, US) was employed to present the data graphically when required. Results There was a reduction in MCHC by 0.58 g/dL and MCH levels by 0.68 pg in the cement dust-exposed subjects when compared to controls, but not significant (95% CI: -0.93, 2.10;p = 0.448 and 95% CI: -0.37, 1.73;p= 0.203, respectively). However, MCHC was reduced significantly by 0.51 g/dL (p = 0.011) with the duration of exposure to the dust. Conclusion The study showed that MCHC was significantly reduced with the duration of exposure to cement dust in cement plant workers. Such alterations may hamper heme synthesis, hemolysis, and inflammatory changes in the body.

Effectiveness of implementation of innovative educational methods tpcbl into the educational process

Aim of the study. Assessing the effectiveness of introducing the innovative educational methodology TPCBL into the educational process by comparing qualitative indicators of student performance. Materials and methods. The effectiveness of introducing the innovative methodology TPCBL (theory, practice and clinic based learning), based on the trinity of theory, practice and clinic, when conducting classes at a medical university was studied. A lesson was conducted using the TPCBL methodology at the Astana Medical University NJSC from September to December 2023. The departments of normal physiology and internal medicine with a course in geriatrics participated. The experimental group consisted of 3rd year students in the educational program “General Medicine” in the amount of 679 people (66 groups) (166 students with Russian language of instruction, 513 students with Kazakh language of instruction). The clinical case of “Sabir Ramzai” was studied.Results and discussion. In general, in the Department of Internal Medicine with a course in geriatrics, the quality indicator of academic performance was before implementation (2022-2023 academic year) - 94%, after implementation (2023-2024 academic year) - 96.5%. That is, it increased by 2.5%. Compared to the 2022-2023 academic year, 3rd year students in the specialty “General Medicine” had a success rate before implementation (2022-2023 academic year) - 91.1%, after implementation (2023-2024 academic year) - 96.4%, that is, increased by 5.3%.Conclusions. An integrated, systematic approach to studying the material helps students consolidate theoretical knowledge, identify practical significance and better assimilate new material.

Diagnostic Value of Serum Cystatin-C and Uric Acid in Predicting Renal Impairment in Pre-Eclampsia

Background: Preeclampsia, a significant contributor to maternal and fetal health risks, is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria occurring post 20 weeks of gestation. Timely identification of renal issues in pre-eclamptic individuals is essential to prevent severe complications. This study aimed to assess how serum cystatin-C and uric acid levels together could predict renal impairment in pre-eclamptic patients. Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted from June 2023 to May 2024 at the Department of Physiology, LUMHS, in collaboration with the gynecology and obstetrics units of Civil Hospital, Hyderabad, and Liaquat University Hospital, Jamshoro. A total of 150 pre-eclamptic patients between 20 and 36 weeks of gestation were selected consecutively. Blood samples were collected at two stages; during 20-25 weeks and again at 36 weeks to measure serum cystatin-C and uric acid levels. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, with descriptive statistics summarizing patient characteristics, chi-square tests, ANOVA, Spearman correlation, and ROC curve were used to analyze biomarker levels and their relationship with gestational age. Results: The study demonstrated significantly elevated serum cystatin-C (1.5 ± 0.3 mg/L) and uric acid levels (7.2 ± 1.5 mg/dL) in pre-eclamptic patients with renal impairment compared to those without (p &lt; 0.01). A significant positive correlation was observed between gestational age and biomarker levels (r = 0.65, p &lt; 0.01). The combined use of these biomarkers improved sensitivity to 90% and specificity to 85% in predicting renal impairment. Conclusion: Simultaneous measurement of serum cystatin-C and uric acid enhances early detection of renal impairment in pre-eclamptic patients.

The 75-Year Anniversary of the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at Karolinska Institutet-Examples of Recent Accomplishments and Future Perspectives.

Karolinska Institutet is a medical university encompassing 21 departments distributed across three departmental or campus groups. Pharmacological research has a long and successful tradition at the institute with a multitude of seminal findings in the areas of neuronal control of vasodilatation, cardiovascular pharmacology, neuropsychopharmacology, receptor pharmacology, and pharmacogenomics that resulted in, among many other recognitions, two Nobel prizes in Physiology and Medicine, one in 1970 to Ulf von Euler for his discovery of the processes involved in storage, release, and inactivation of neurotransmitters and the other in 1982 to Sune Bergström and Bengt Samuelsson for their work on prostaglandins and the discovery of leukotrienes. Pharmacology at Karolinska Institutet has over the last decade been ranked globally among the top 10 according to the QS World University Ranking. With the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology now celebrating its 75-year anniversary, we wanted to take this as an opportunity to showcase recent research achievements and how they paved the way for current activities at the department. We emphasize examples from preclinical and clinical research where the dpartment's integrative environment and robust infrastructure have successfully facilitated the translation of findings into clinical applications and patient benefits. The close collaboration between preclinical scientists and clinical researchers across various disciplines, along with a strong network of partnerships within the department and beyond, positions us to continue leading world-class pharmacological research at the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology for decades to come. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Pharmacological research at Karolinska Institutet has a long and successful history. Given the 75-year anniversary of the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, this perspective provides an overview of recent departmental achievements and future trajectories. For these developments, interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaborations and a clear focus on result translation are key elements to continue its legacy of world-leading pharmacological research.

Hepatocellular Changes on Paracetamol Induced Liver Damage in Long Evans Male Rats upon Green Tea Administration

Background: The liver is a vital organ that serves a number of purposes in our body. It may be harmed by pollutants, substances with toxic effects, and long-term, unchecked drug use. Green tea is a well-liked beverage that has gained popularity recently and may have hepatoprotective properties. Objective: To observe the effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis) on paracetamol induced liver damage in Long Evans male rats. Methods: From July 1st, 2018, to June 30th, 2019, this study was conducted in the Department of Physiology at Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC), Dhaka. For the purpose of the study, thirty (30) male Long Evans rats, weighing between 150 and 200 grams and 90 to 120 days old, appeared to be in good health. They were split into two groups after 14 days of acclimatization: Group A, which served as the control group, and Group B, which served as the experimental group (green tea pretreatment and paracetamol treated). Group A1 (baseline control group) and group A2 (paracetamol treated control group) comprised the subdivided control group. There were ten rats in each of these groups. For 28 days, the rats were all fed a baseline diet. The baseline control group was given normal saline (20 ml/kg/day) orally every day for 28 days in addition to their basal diet. For the final three days of the study—the 26th and 28th—the paracetamol-treated control group was given oral paracetamol at a dose of 1.5 g/kg/day. During the final three days of the study period (the 26th and 28th days), the experimental group was given oral paracetamol (1.5g/kg/day) and an ethanolic extract of green tea (500 mg/kg/day) for a total of 28 days. On day 29, every rat was sacrificed. Following the sacrifice, liver samples were taken. Hepatic contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by using standard laboratory method. Histopathology of liver was also done by using standard laboratory procedure in the department of pathology, SSMC. Version 22 of the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) for Windows was used to do the statistical analysis. The data were displayed as mean±SD. To compare the results, one-way ANOVA, post hoc Bonferroni, and Chi-square tests were used, where appropriate. A p value of less than 0.05 was regarded as significant. Result: When compared to the baseline control group, the mean malondialdehyde concentration in the liver was significantly (p) greater in the green tea pretreatment, paracetamol treated, and control groups who received paracetamol treatment. Once more, the groups treated with green tea and paracetamol had mean malondialdehyde concentrations in their livers that were significantly (p) lower than those of the paracetamol group. Additionally, 0% of the rats in the baseline control group, 100% of the rats in the paracetamol-treated group, and 30% of the rats in the green tea-pretreated and paracetamol-treated group had abnormal histological findings of the liver. Conclusion: This study revealed that green tea has hepatoprotective effect against paracetamol induced liver damage in Long Evans male rats. Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2024; 12 (2): 145-152

Electrophysiological Changes in Median Nerve among Young Male Cigarette Smokers

Background: Cigarette smoking has been associated with numerous cardiovascular and respiratory disorders. Chronic smoking may also disrupt neuronal function and damage neurons in the peripheral nervous system. Median nerve conduction study is an important electrodiagnostic test for the detection of peripheral nerve dysfunction. Objectives: To observe the impact of cigarette smoking on the electrophysiological status of median motor and sensory nerves in apparently healthy male cigarette smokers. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, from July 2017 to June 2018 on thirty male cigarette smokers aged 25 to 40 years. For comparison, thirty age and BMI matched non-smoker healthy male subjects were selected as controls. Motor and sensory nerve conduction parameters (latency, amplitude and nerve conduction velocity) of right median nerve were evaluated by standard methods, using standard nerve conduction study and electromyography machines in the Department of Neurology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital. For statistical analysis, unpaired t test was performed. Results: In this study, median sensory nerve latency was significantly prolonged (p ˂ 0.001) and sensory nerve conduction velocity was significantly slower (p ˂ 0.001) in cigarette smokers. The mean amplitude was also slightly reduced in smokers, but statistically, it was insignificant. However, the distal latency of median motor nerve was slightly prolonged whereas, the amplitude and motor nerve conduction velocity were slightly reduced in cigarette smokers in comparison to those of non-smokers. But the differences were not statistically significant. In addition, 10% of cigarette smokers had subclinical impairment in median sensory nerve function. Conclusion: Chronic cigarette smoking induces significant electrophysiological changes in median sensory nerve fibers and causes sensory nerve dysfunction, while it does not markedly affect median motor nerve fibers in young individuals. KYAMC Journal Volume: 15, No: 01, April 2024: 03-07.

Effect of Smoking on Red Blood Cell Parameters: A Cross-sectional Study in a Divisional City of Bangladesh

Background: Several metabolic and biochemical processes, hormone secretion, and the haematological system are all affected by smoking. Numerous studies have found that smoking is associated with higher levels of haemoglobin concentration (Hb%), total red blood cell count (RBC), and red cell distribution width (RDW). Objectives: To study the RBC parameters in healthy male smokers and non-smokers among adults. Methodology: This research was carried out in the Department of Physiology of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College, from July, 2021 to June, 2022. A total of 200 participants were included with healthy adult smokers and age-matched healthy adult non-smokers. History and physical examinations were used to evaluate each individual. We measured height and weight, and calculated body mass index of the subjects. Calculations were made on cigarette smoking intensity and duration. Blood was collected to determine RBC parameters, such as total RBC count, haemoglobin level, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red cell distribution width (RDW) by using Sysmex 500i automatic haematology analyzer (Japan). Results: Among the 200 participants, 100 were adult smokers and another 100 age-matched healthy adult non-smokers. The RBC indices were significantly elevated in smokers compared to non-smokers group: mean haemoglobin concentration (g/dl)+ standard deviation (SD) were 14.17 ± 2.13 versus 13.27 ± 1.39 respectively with p&lt;0.001, mean haematocrit (HCT) (percent)+ SD were 41.60 ± 6.88 versus 39.13 ± 5.46 respectively with p=0.005, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (fl) + SD 91.13 ± 8.86 versus 88.33 ± 5.58 respectively with p=0.033, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (pg) + SD 31.16 ± 3.26 versus 30.05 ± 3.0 respectively with p=0.016 and mean red cell distribution width (RDW) (percent)+ SD 14.74 ± 1.63 versus 14.00 ± 1.57 respectively with p=0.001. However, RBC count (×106/μl) (4.60 ± 0.80 versus 4.46 ± 0.60; p=0.143) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (g/dl) (34.23 ± 2.11 versus 34.11 ± 2.32; p=0.707) did not differ significantly between smoker and non-smoker groups. There was no statistical difference between mild, moderate, and severe smokers, according to the study's variables. Conclusion: MCV, MCH, RDW, haematocrit, and haemoglobin concentration were all significantly higher in smokers. Journal of Monno Medical College December, 2023; 9 (2):41-46

Current advances in physiological science. In commemoration of centennial anniversary of the Department of Human and Animal Physiology of Moscow State University

Hereby we briefly review the articles that comprise the special issue of “Lomonosov Biology Journal” (“Vestnik Moskovskogo universiteta. Seria 16. Biologia”), which commemorates the centennial anniversary of the Department of Human and Animal Physiology of Lomonosov Moscow State University, founded by prominent Russian physiologist Alexander F. Samoilov. The main stages of the Department’s history are briefly described. The published studies of the leading Russian researchers, including the scientific research group from Department of Human and Animal Physiology, are discussed within the scope of main current challenges of physiological science.

Script Concordance Test in Physiology: Preparation, Scoring, and Student Perceptions – A Mixed Method Study

Background: Although the curriculum has changed, assessment tools are not in alignment with the new types of teaching such as early clinical exposure (ECE) and self-directed learning. Both in summative and formative assessment most commonly used tools for assessment of cognitive domain are written formats including MCQ. However, these assessment tools such as MCQ and written essays cannot assess the higher order thinking skills and clinical reasoning skills. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the department of physiology, in collaboration with medical simulation center, as a part of formative assessment for topics on pathophysiology of shock and obstructive and restrictive lung disorders taught during ECE using case scenarios. Two script concordance tests (SCTs) each on the topic of pathophysiological mechanism of different types of shock and obstructive and restrictive lung disorders each were prepared and administered to the students. Student perception to this assessment tools was obtained. Results: The Cronbach’s alpha of the 6-item SCT for respiratory and cardiovascular topic administered to the students (n = 107, 98) was 0.83 and 0.82, respectively. The inter-item correlation was respiratory and cardiovascular topic for 0.71, 0.69 suggesting that they are close and repetitive. Students were of the opinion that SCT are difficult to understand (75.8%), challenging to answer (47.2%), and it tested the clinical content better (71.4%). Conclusions: In our study, students felt though SCT tested the clinical content better when compared to conventionally used MCQ, they still find it challenging to understand and are not in favor of its use in summative and formative assessments.