International Physiology

The membrane potential of a cell in non excited state is called Resting Membrane Potential (RMP). RMP of large nerve fiber is –90 mV. It allows a cell to function as a battery, providing power to operate a variety of “molecular devices” embedded in the membrane. In electrically excitable cells, it is used for transmitting signals between different parts of a cell. Membrane potential is contributed by the electrical force from mutual attraction between particles with opposite charges and repulsion between the particles with same charges. Diffusion also contributes to membrane potential by the tendency of particles to redistribute from regions of high concentration to low due to thermal energy. The diffusion potential across the membrane that exactly opposes the net diffusion of a particular ion through the membrane is called the Nernst potential for that ion. Factors responsible for generation of RMP are Na+K+ pump and leakage of K+. Membrane potential can be measured by patch clamp methods and voltage sensitive fluorescent dyes. Bioelectric properties can serve as markers for cell characterization, control cell mitotic activity and also cell cycle progression and differentiation.

Keywords: Resting Membrane Potential; Nernst Potential; Na+K+ Pump; Bioelectric Properties. 

In this study the relationship between two important variables, namely blood group and big five personality traits, are determined in the research framework. Many statisticians have incorporated the fivefactor model and the NEO Personality Inventory, both describing various aspects of personality including the five domains of personality—neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness—into determining whether blood type influences personality [1,5,]. In this study, involving about 100 undergraduate medical students who were aware of their own blood groups, participants were asked to rate various aspects of their personality by using personality inventory questionnaire of Buchanan (2001) based on Five Factor Modality (FFM). In our study the difference in ratings for the different blood types is not statistically significant for Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness (p>0.05). So it is concluded that there was no evidence of any association between blood type and personality. However, the study showed weakness such as small sample sizes and unequal sample size, more accurate studies should be performed in the future to confirm or reject the results of this study.

Keywords: Blood Groups; Personality Domains; FiveFactor Modality (FFM). 

Introduction: The value of FEF 25%75% has been both praised and condemned. The test has been recommended by Leuallen E. et al as an early index of airway obstruction. According to Gilbert R. et al. a normal value has poor specificity. It has been suggested by Voter K.Z that obstruction in peripheral airways can be discriminated from that in larger airways by a disproportionate decrease in FEF 25%75% compared to FEV1. Methodology: First, case history is taken with special emphasis on personal habits. Then secondly the physical examination including the measurement of height and weight. All the tests are done at the same time of the day to avoid possible diurnal variation. Subject is allowed to sit comfortably on the stool. Instructions are given about the tests. Results: Nonsmokers with normal weight is having mean FEF of 71.13 with a standard deviation of 20.15 and nonsmokers with over weight the mean is 74.86 and standard deviation is 18.83. Conclusion: The effect of smoking on FEF is more affected in overweight group of subjects than the normal weight group of subjects.

Keywords: FEF; Smoking; Overweight. 

Background: Cancer is the third leading non communicable health issue after diabetes and hypertension worldwide. Breast cancer is the commonest cancer among women with a highly variable incidence between countries and regions. The present study aimed at studying the risk factors among breast cancer patients. Materials & Methods: 100 participants including 50 cases of breast cancer and 50 controls aged 2570 years were included in the study considering the various inclusion and exclusion criteria. Association of various risk factors (general and reproductive variables) with breast cancer was studied. Results: Literacy level, social status, blood group, sedentary lifestyle, age at menarche and menopause were all significantly associated with breast cancer. (p<0.05). Conclusion: We conclude that low literacy, low socioeconomic status, O+ve blood group and early onset of menarche and late menopause were significantly associated with breast cancer.

Keywords: Blood Group; Breast Cancer; Menarche; Risk Factors. 

Introduction: RT (Reaction time) is defined as the interval of time between the presentation of the stimulus and appearance of appropriate voluntary response in the subject. Human RT works through nervous system that recognizes the stimulus. Neurons relay this impulse to brain which travels to spinal cord and reaches person’s hand and fingers. RT in response to a situation can significantly influence our life due to its practical implications. Fast RTs can give rewards (e.g. in sports), whereas slow RT can lead to grave consequences (e.g. driving and road safety matters). Factors that can affect the human RT include age, gender, left or right hand, central versus peripheral vision, practice, fatigue, fasting, exercise etc. Hence present study was conducted, which was aimed to compare VRT (visual reaction time) and ART (auditory reaction time) on the basis of gender in first year medical student. Material and Methods: Study was conducted in 120 medical students (60 male 60 female). Visual Reaction time and auditory reaction time were recorded by using Reaction time apparatus Anand Agencies Pune. It works on 230 volts AC. The instrument is specially designed to measure reaction time in seconds. It has Inbuilt digital chronoscope present on examiners side which measures the reaction time in seconds. Data was analyzed by unpaired “t” test. We found both ART and VRT in male were statistically significant than in female (p<0.05). Conclusion: Thus our study showed Males have shorter reaction time than females. Males react faster than females in response to changes in external environment.

Keywords: Auditory Reaction Time; Male; Female; Reaction Time; Visual Reaction Time. 

Background: IOP is one of the vital factors whose maintenance within normal limit is essential for serve its normal function. IOP is influenced by various factors like smoking, alcohol, hypertension, sex hormones, pregnancy, medications etc. This study is undertaken to find out the effect of hypertension on IOP changes. Methodology: A total number of 200 people with age group of 40 to 60 were included in the study. They were divided into two groups of each 100 normotensive and hypertensive. IOP was recorded in all individuals and was compared between two groups by using student t test. A Pvalue of <0.05 was taken as a statistically significant. Results: Our study showed that there was a significant increase in IOP in hypertensive patients compared to normotensive patients. Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between IOP changes in relation to blood pressure. So it needs to undergo regular eye check up for those patients with hypertension for early detection of glaucoma which is second leading cause of blindness.

Keywords: IOP; Blood Pressure.

Background: Thyroid disease is one of the most common endocrine problems managed by general physicians in the endocrinology practice. Hypothyroidism as a clinical syndrome was recognized even later than hyperthyroidism and at first its cause was equally obscure. Common causes of Hypothyroidism are Iodine deficiency, Auto immunity like Atrophic Thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Drug Induced Hypothyroidism. Methods: The study comprised of 40 subjects, classified into 2 groups each, with 20 subjects. Group I – 20 (Healthy individuals) controls aged between 20–45 years with euthyroid status. Group II20 Hypothyroid subjects with suppressed levels of TSH aged between 20 to 45 years. The parameter like T3, T4, TSH, Ca+2, Po4 3, ALP, PTH and 25OH VitDmeasured. Results: The mean value of TSH was 2.42±1.08 in controls and 0.15±0.00 was in hypothyroid treated, the mean value of T4 was 98.45±21.92 in controls and 139.65±37.90 was in hypothyroid treated, the mean value of T3 was 1.25±0.33 in controls and1.36±0.48 was in hypothyroid treated.The mean value of mean bone mineral area in lumbar spine, femur neck and radius & ulna were 47.53±3.80, 4.47±0.35 and 4.50±0.45 respectively. The mean value of bone mineral area in lumbar spine is less compared to controls. Themean values bone mineral density of lumbar spine, femur neck, and radius & ulna were 39.47+5.07, 3.23+0.54 and 2.89+0.43 respectively. Conclusion: The patients on long term treatment of drugs likelevothyroxine, in spite of treating hypothyroidism there is aloss of bone mineral density although not with a higherfracture rate due to suppression of TSH levels.

Keywords: TSH; T3; T4; Hypothyroidism; Thyroid; Bone Sensity. 

Introduction: Forced vital capacity (FVC) is the maximum volume of air that can be expired, when a subject tries as forcefully and rapidly as possible, after a maximal inspiration to total lung capacity. A maneuver performed similarly beginning at residual volume and inspiring as forcefully as possible is called forced inspiratory vital capacity. Methodology: The tests are done by selecting chronic smokers of different age group from 3070 years from out patient and impatient from the department of TB & chest diseases, medical college. Control groups are selected from patient who does not smoke. The instrument used was a portable smallcomputerized spirometer called “Compact Vitalograph”. Results: In smokers with overweight the mean is 61.14 and the standard deviation is 22.93. When this value is tested using chisquare test, it is found that there is significant difference, according to the chisquare test the P value is less than 0.05. Conclusion: The effect of smoking on FVC is more affected in overweight group of subjects than the normal weight group of subjects.

Keywords: Forced Vital Capacity; Compact Vitalograph; Overweight. 

Context: In clinical practice, left ventricular hypertrophy is best detected by echocardiography because its sensitivity exceeds that of the electrocardiography at the usual level of specificity. However, the greater availability, lower cost and relative simplicity of operation, the ECG continue to support its much wider use as a diagnostic instrument for this purpose. Aims: To study the correlation between ECG and Echocardiography findings in left ventricular hypertrophy secondary to systemic hypertension. Settings and Design: A hospital based cross sectional diagnostic evaluation study. Department of Physiology, Lt. BRKM Government Medical College. Methods and Material: The present study was conducted for a period of two years among 60 randomly selected patients from medical inpatient wards of this tertiary centre. Echocardiography was taken as gold standard to evaluation the performance of ECG. Statistical Analysis: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated for ECG to study its effectiveness. Results: Cornell voltage criteria (RavL + SV3) has given significantly better sensitivity of 44% (p=0.042) compared to SokolowLyon voltage criteria (SLV=SV1+RV6) which gave 26% sensitivity. Although SokolowLyon voltage criteria have shown specificity of 100% compared to 90% of Cornell voltage criteria, difference was statistically not significant (p > 0.05). Cornell voltage criteria had a better correlation with LVM and LVMI compared to SokolowLyon voltage criteria. Conclusion: Cornell voltage criteria are better than SokolowLyon voltage criteria. It can be easily applicable in clinical practice in cases where echocardiography is not available.

Keywords: Clinical Practice; Echocardiography; ECG; Sensitivity. 

Introduction: Obesity is the one of most worried non communicable diseases. Changing life style, changing food habits, stressful life are risk factors for obesity. Obesity is risk factor for many diseases like hypertension, ischemic heart diseases, stroke and diabetes mellitus. Obesity also increases risk of raised intraocular pressure and glaucoma. Objective: To study correlation between body mass index and intraocular pressure in same age group subjects. Materials and Method: Study included healthy male and female subjects of same age between 45 years to 55 years. Total 150 healthy subjects were included in study and were divided into three groups according the body mass index. Group IBody Mass Index (BMI): 18 to 24.9 Kg/ m2, Group IIBody Mass Index (BMI) 25 to 29.9 Kg/m2and Group IIIBody Mass Index (BMI): 30 and > 30 Kg/m2. Intraocular Pressure (IOP) was measured in right eye and left eye separately using Perkin’s tonometer between 10 am to 11 am to avoid diurnal variations. Statistical Analysis: A nonparametric test, KruskalWallis test, was used to compare groups. In addition, Pearson correlation test was used to find out the correlations between parameters. SPSS 18.0 statistical package was used for statistical analysis. P values of less than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Result: Our study showed statistically significant increase in intraocular pressure with increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) in all three groups. Conclusion: There is significant increase in intraocular pressure with increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) in all three groups. Raised Intraocular Pressure (IOP) is risk factor for glaucoma so obese patient should have regular eye check up and regular trained exercise to avoid complications like glaucoma.

Keywords: BMI; Intraocular Pressure; Glaucoma. 

Background: Hairdressing is a widespread occupation. Hairdressers are typically exposed to a cocktail of chemicals. Workplace exposure to various chemicals, which may be absorbed or inhaled, can affect airways directly or cause bronchial mucosal inflammation. Aims and Objectives: To assess prevalence of respiratory symptoms among hairdressers and to compare with matched control group. Materials and Methods: This study was based on a questionnaire. The questionnaire sought information about respiratory symptoms. We interviewed 100 male hairdressers and 100 office workers who served as matched controls drawn from a random sample of the general population. We used a validated questionnaire for occupational respiratory disease and compared the prevalence of workrelated respiratory symptoms in both groups. Results: Almost half of the hair dressers reported work related respiratory symptoms. Cough (36%), breathlessness (31%) and wheezing (26%). The hairdressers reported signiûcantly more runny eyes and runny or blocked nose from exposure to hair dyes and other chemicals used in a hairdressing salon, compared with the office workers. Conclusion: Hairdressing work is associated with a high frequency of work related respiratory symptoms. The same trend was not found among the office workers. Prevalence of symptoms during exposure to other types of general pollutants was similar in the two groups.

Keywords: Hairdresser; Cough; Breathlessness; Wheezing; Occupational. 

Background: Yoga asana practices were documented for therapeutic use in diabetes mellitus Type 2 patients. The progress and complications of diabetes could be reduce by prescribing yoga therapy. Material and Method: The randomized control study of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients with polyneuropathy was done by making study and control group. The index tests applied for analysis of distal polyneuropathy were Visual Pain Analogue Score, Diabetic Neuropathy Symptom (DNS) score and Diabetic Neuropathy Examination (DNE) scores. All patients’ anthropometric, biochemical, cardiac and index test score data were collected before and after study in both groups. The study group had performed various yoga asanas and Bhastrika pranayama for 60 minutes every alternate day for 12 weeks. The control group was taking regular medication without any yoga therapy. Data were analysed in MedCalc Software by application of student t test. Results: The study group DNS & DNE Score before yoga 2.3±1.0 and 3.2±1.9 respectively were significantly improve after yoga intervention to 0.6±1.1 and 1.9±1.7 respectively (p <0.0001). The pain score was also improved after yoga therapy in study group from 5.5±1.7 to 1.4±1.6 (p<0.05). The control group, without yoga intervention did not show any significant change in index score after 12 weeks of regular medication. Conclusions: This study showed regular yoga therapy in diabetic prescription can improve pain and neuropathy condition in polyneuropathy patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Keywords: Yoga; Pranayama; Bhastrika; Distal Polyneuropathy; Diabetes Mellitus Type 2; Painful Neuropathy. 

Background: Hand grip strength and mid upper arm circumference, mid upper arm area, tricep skin fold thickness has been an indicator for determining strength. Objectives: The purpose of study was to found out for correlation of mid upper arm circumference, mid upper arm area, tricep skin fold thickness with hand grip strength in cricket players. Material and Methods: Total 30 healthy cricket (1525 years), from district sport academy, regularly practicing from last 3 years at university level and who don’t have any abnormality of upper arm or any neurological problem, history of fracture of hand were included. Measurement of hand grip strength with help of Sahens hand grip digital dynamometer was done. Mean of three reading was taken as final reading. Mid upper arm area calculated by formula (Mid upper arm circumference) 2/4p. Mid Upper Arm Circumference measured by measuring tape. Tricep skin fold thickness is measured by harpendence calliper. Pearson correlation coefficient established a correlation of mid upper arm circumference, mid upper arm area, tricep skin fold thickness with hand grip strength. Result: It was also found that ,statistically there was positive correlation observed between hand grip strength with mid upper arm circumference, mid upper arm area and highly significant negative correlation between hand grip strength with tricep skin fold thickness in cricket players. Conclusion: Proper training for maintaining mid upper arm circumference, mid upper arm area, tricep skin fold thickness and hand grip strength will increase in hand grip strength. It will further lead to better strength and performance in cricket activities like bowling, fielding etc.

Keywords: Anthropometry; Dynamometry; Handgrip Strength; Harpendence Calliper; Mid Upper Arm Area; Mid Upper Arm Circumference; Tricep Skin Fold Thickness. 

Introduction: Women are exposed to plethora of health complaints during reproductive life, premenopause and menopause due to altered lifestyle, dietary pattern, hormonal changes and their sociodemographic profile. The urban and rural women experience problems related to neurological, psychological and other endocrinal manifestations during these stages. The present study was designed to find out the relation between socio demographic, menstrual pattern, dietary influence and lifestyle determinants on health status of productive, perimenopausal and menopausal women. Materials and Methods: This crosssectional community based comparative study was conducted in the rural and urban field practice area of a Medical College in Karnataka. Health status of women in productive age, perimenopausal and menopausal life was collected. Association between socio demographic factors, dietary factors and lifestyle determinants was analyzed among the study participants. Results: We found that backache and abdominal pain are the predominant symptoms among both rural and urban women of productive age group. Younger women had more abdominal pain when compared with perimenopausal women who complained more of knee and back pain. (p<0.05), younger the age at menarche, lesser the frequency of abdominal and back pain (p<0.05), those who were practicing contraceptive method had fibroid uterus as a predominant comorbid feature and minor ailments were seen among those without any contraception (p<0.05). Those who were on vegetarian diet had minor ailments when compared with those on non vegetarian diet who showed more incidence of fibroid uterus among them (p<0.05). Conclusion: The quality of health status of reproductive and menopausal women is affected by their socio demographic factors, hormonal changes, menstrual pattern, dietary intake and lifestyle.

Keywords: Diet; Lifestyle; Menopause; PeriMenopause; Productive Women. 

Background and Objectives: Assessment of Cardiovascular sympathetic activity in obese and Normal young adults by recording Heart rate and blood pressure. The study was done to assess the effect of isometric Leg press exercise test on Heart rate Blood pressure (SBP & DBP) levels in obese and normal young adults. Methods: The study was carried out on 80 medical students with in age group of 1822 years, divided in to two groups, 40 Obese (BMI >25kg/m2) and 40 Normal healthy adults (BMI 18.522.5kg/ m2). Baseline ECG was taken for 5 minutes in lead II using power lab multichannel polygraph instrument to record Heart rate in both the groups. Baseline Blood pressure was recorded in both of them. They were asked to perform isometric leg press exercise at 40% of their maximal voluntary contraction using Back leg lift dynamometer till the point of fatigue. Immediately after exercise test Heart rate and Blood pressure were measured to compare the response. Results: Baseline recording showed statistically significant higher Heart rate and Blood pressure level in obese group when compared to normal group (p<0.05). There was significant difference in Heart rate and BP between the two groups. The response to exercise test varied among the groups. The normal group showed significant rise in Heart rate and blood pressure (p<0.05) than obese group. Conclusion: From this study we conclude that, there is a positive association between obesity and blood pressure level. There is autonomicdys function with increased sympathetic activity, which is an important determinant of elevated blood pressure in obesity. Also higher value of resting heart rate in obese individuals is due to attenuated parasympathetic vagal tone in them. Sympathetic system could be targeted in the treatment of obesity associated hypertension.

Keywords: Obesity; Isometric Leg Press Exercise Test; Blood Pressure. 

Background: Effect of exercise on heart rate and blood pressure which is important for clinical studies and also importance of exercise for controlling blood pressure in routine lifestyle. Objectives of the Study: To study change in heart rate and blood pressure in medical students after different degrees of excercise. Material and Methods: The retrospective study done by using records of 150 healthy medical students of 201516 batch divided into 50 each group for mild, moderate, severe exercise respectively, studying at the Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences belonging to both the sexes volunteered for the study. The study was conducted at the department of Physiology during the month of November 16. Results: Table and graph showing mild, moderate exercise will increase slightly heart rate and blood pressure, severe exercise will increase more. Conclusion: The study depicts the variation of heart rate and blood pressure for different degrees of exercise among the students in VIMS, Bellary. Also to create awareness about exercise in our routine life style to maintain normal blood pressure.

Keywords: Heart Rate; Blood Pressure; Exercise; First Year MBBS Students. 

Introduction: Arterial blood pressure, an important physiological parameter has great etiological significance in epidemiology of cardiovascular disease due to its association with age, height, weight, diet, stress, socioeconomic status. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are ubiquitous reactive derivatives of O2 metabolism found in the environment and in all biological systems. ROS are implicated in many intracellular signaling pathways leading to changes in gene transcription and protein synthesis and consequently in cell function. Within the cardiovascular system, ROS play a crucial physiological role in maintaining cardiac and vascular integrity and a pathophysiological role in cardiovascular dysfunction associated with several clinical conditions, including hypertension. ROS is generated by psychological and physical stress they are involved in the cardiovascular dysfunctions and also in the male and female infertility, therefore it is hypothesised that the blood pressure may be one of the cardiovascular parameter that may be affected in both the partners of the couples suffering with unexplained infertility. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess the blood pressure in both partners of the couples with unexplained infertility and to compare the blood pressure in both the partners. Materials and Methods: The blood pressure was recorded using the standard auscultatory technique in both the partners of 50 couples with unexplained infertility and having all the investigations within normal limits. The data obtained was analyzed statistically using student’s ttest. Results: The mean age of the male partners was 33.1±7.4 years and female partners was 31.3±3.6 years. The significant increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was observed in the male partners. Conclusions: The male partners of the couples with unexplained infertility have elevated blood pressure as compared to the female partners.

Keywords: Increased Blood Pressure; Male Partner; Unexplained Infertility.