Aim: To determine whether wearing a face mask for more than three to six hours/day leads to the new onset of symptoms or worsening of pre-existing dry eye disease (DED) in healthcare workers (HCWs) of our institute.Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study, where 114 HCWs using face masks regularly participated voluntarily in the study. A survey with a modified Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was completed by participants. They were divided into groups based on their sex, age, how long they had been wearing face masks, and whether they had a history of DED.Results: We found that for HCWs who had previously experienced DED and who were under the age of 40, wearing a face mask for more than three to six hours/day could contribute to or worsen symptoms of DED. Also, we observed that the N-95 mask has a higher chance of causing DED than surgical masks.Conclusion: Medical professionals need to be aware of any potential dry eye symptoms related to the prolonged use of a face mask. Additional consideration should be given to patients who already have DED. The possible concerns that incorrectly fitted facemasks may cause to the health of their ocular surface should be discussed with patients by ophthalmologists. Future research involving larger populations will shed light on the prevalence and scope of the mask-associated dry eye problem.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is expressed at high levels in the limbic system, has been shown to regulate learning, memory and cognition. Thyroid hormone is crucial for brain development. Hypothyroidism is a clinical condition in which thyroid hormones are reduced and it affects the growth and development of the brain in neonates and progresses to cognitive impairment in adults. The exact mechanism of how reduced thyroid hormones impairs cognition and memory is not well understood. This review explores the possible role of BDNF-mediated cognitive impairment in hypothyroid patients.

Introduction Various markers for diabetes have been identified in this new era of medicine, the most recent being adiponectin, which is primarily secreted from adipose tissue and has anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherogenic properties. It is also known to increase insulin sensitivity. Adiponectin deficiency or decreased secretion causes a variety of complications, including insulin resistance and the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). One such complication of T2DM is endothelial dysfunction, which leads to decreased synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), another potent marker that normally disrupts key events in the progression of atherosclerosis. Aims and objectives The aim of the study was to compare and correlate serum adiponectin and nitric oxide levels with glycemic status in patients with T2DM and healthy controls. Materials and methods This comparative cross-sectional study included known cases of type II diabetes under group I and healthy age-matched controls under group II. Serum levels of adiponectin and nitric oxide were assessed in both the groups along with glycemic status [fasting blood sugar (FBS) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)] and these parameters were compared between both groups using a t-test. Adiponectin and NO levels were correlated using Pearson’s correlation with glycemic status in group I. Results The mean adiponectin levels in group I were 5.94 ± 1.490 μg/mL, which was significantly (p<0.00) less than in group II, 10.30 ±1.669 μg/mL. The mean NO levels in group I (42.98 ± 6.300 μmol/L) were also significantly (p<0.00) less than in group II (56.126 ± 7.579 μmol/L). FBS and HbA1C levels were significantly higher in group I than in group II. Conclusion Adiponectin and NO levels were significantly reduced in individuals with T2DM when compared to healthy controls. Therapeutic interventions that increase adiponectin and NO levels may be useful targets for improving diabetes control and reducing complications.

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Parenting is a valuable investment that determines the quality of future independent life. From an evolutionary aspect, it has been well ingrained in the minds of humans as to how much resource each parent should contribute to this energy and time-consuming task. To encourage father’s contribution towards parenting and reduce the stress on mother, the concept of paid paternal leave has been implemented. Mere presence of the father in terms of the quantity of time spent without much qualitative value has no benefit, but the assumption that fathers are less competent based on their lower performance might also not be acceptable. An intriguing finding has demonstrated that prolonged contact with the infant triggers a change in previously absent male parenting behavior. With incentives on one hand and associated societal stigma on the other hand, it is to be analyzed whether the purpose of true parenting by fathers is being achieved. Hence, in the concept of contributory parenting it is necessary to recognize and respect each parenting style with the ultimate benefit being passed on to the child.

Background: Hypertension is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is responsible for major deaths due to stroke and coronary heart disease. Several pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for reducing blood pressure have been tried earlier. Modulating brain regions such as prefrontal cortex (PFC) to channelize activities is an effective tool to target blood pressure. Purpose: Prefrontal cortex (PFC) exerts inhibitory control over sympathoexcitatory circuits, which was explored using a novel reaction time paradigm. Methods: Thirty participants of both genders in the age group 40–70 years with established hypertension were included. A structured reaction time paradigm was designed to include psychomotor and visuomotor elements with integrated sensory attention and motor performance tasks. Blood pressure, Lead II ECG, and EEG from F3 and F4 were recorded. A paired t-test was used to examine the variations in these parameters across tasks. Results: A significant reduction in mean arterial pressure by 4.04 mmHg ( p = .0232) during the visuomotor task and a reduction of 3.38 mmHg during the auditory cue task ( p = .0446) were observed. Analysis of the difference in heart rate has shown a profound decrease after passive listening tasks by 3.7 beats ( p < .0001*). Spectral analysis from F3 and F4 shows high power in low-frequency zone of EEG indicating a relaxed state during auditory cues and passive listening. Conclusion: The reaction time paradigm, when applied to hypertensives, helped decrease blood pressure and heart rate and improved the high frequency (HF) component of heart rate variability, indicating parasympathetic dominance. Such reward-oriented paradigms may act as biofeedback modules that cause hyperactivity of the PFC to suppress the sympathoexcitatory circuit with increased parasympathetic activity beneficial to hypertensive individuals.

Background: Deep learning happens through comprehension of various mechanisms particularly in concept oriented disciplines like Physiology. Hypothesis: Students when exposed to real life situations especially in a collaborative learning environment become more active and immersed in learning. Gamification models can sustain the attention of learners for longer periods and instill interest and motivate them to explore the concepts further. These models can enhance knowledge retention and make learning more enjoyable transforming them into self directed learners. Objectives: To design multifaceted gamification models using situated learning approaches to enhance learning, knowledge retention, application and performance in Physiology. Methodology: Students of first year medical course of both sexes were divided into teams and exposed to the gamification models. Individual and team based performances were assessed. Nine stations with time bound team based gaming activities were designed through focused group discussions. A total of 100 marks were allotted for all activities together. Activities had elements to understand the significance of team work, critical thinking, situated learning using gaming modules. Faculty moderators at each station scored the team performance based on correctness of the activity. Performance as a team was also given scores by observing various attributes and extent of involvement of each team member in the activity. Students, as a team, were given an opportunity to instantly rate each gaming activity. Pretest to assess initial knowledge followed by activities by rotation through stations and post test to assess individual performance were given. Results / Observations: Pretest, Post test scores, faculty assessment of activity, performance as a team and feedback rating by students were tabulated and analyzed. The class average score was 70% (out of total 100 marks) which is considered good. The post test score was significantly higher than the pre test mean scores (p<0.0001) using the situated learning approach model with gamification. There was a significant improvement in the performance in the Formative Assessment (p<0.05) conducted after the GRASP activity. Conclusion: Situated learning approach using near real life situations is an effective learning strategy and can be a useful formative assessment tool. Multifaceted gaming modules enabled actual visualization and critical thinking rather than mere imagination. Team based performance helped exchange of thoughts for higher order thinking and projected significance of teamwork in healthcare setup. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Introduction: Modernization has led to greater usage of Air Conditioners (ACs) in our daily lives. It is observed that the occupants of office buildings with ACs consistently report on average more symptoms than do occupants of office buildings with natural ventilation referred to as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). The appearance of symptoms reduces work efficiency and increases absenteeism due to sickness (sickness absenteeism). Therefore, the present study was planned to evaluate the impact of usage of ACs on SBS and to find out the association of ACs with sickness absenteeism and lung function tests. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 200 healthy non-smoker adults in the age group of 18 to 45 years who were using ACs for at least 6 to 8 h/day for more than 2 years (group I). And 200 healthy adults, age and gender-matched, with the same work pattern, not using ACs at all served as controls (group II). The basic information on the usage of ACs and the prevalence of discomfort related to neural symptoms, respiratory symptoms, and skin and mucous membrane related to SBS was obtained through a questionnaire. Results: The building-related symptoms in group I males were more compared to group II males and significantly higher in group I males compared to females. We observed that the appearance of symptoms of SBS led to sickness absenteeism among group I participants. Lung function tests especially FVC, FEV1, PEFR, and MVV were significantly reduced among group I males and females compared to group II males and females. Conclusion: ACs have a profound effect on the quality of the air we breathe and on human health than just lowering the temperature. There is a higher prevalence of SBS-Respiratory and allergic symptoms in AC users.