Effect of yoga practices on pulmonary function tests including transfer factor of lung for carbon monoxide (TLCO) in asthma patients.

Prana is the energy, when the self-energizing force embraces the body with extension and expansion and control, it is pranayama. It may affect the milieu at the bronchioles and the alveoli particularly at the alveolo-capillary membrane to facilitate diffusion and transport of gases. It may also increase oxygenation at tissue level. Aim of our study is to compare pulmonary functions and diffusion capacity in patients of bronchial asthma before and after yogic intervention of 2 months. Sixty stable asthmatic-patients were randomized into two groups i.e group 1 (Yoga training group) and group 2 (control group). Each group included thirty patients. Lung functions were recorded on all patients at baseline, and then after two months. Group 1 subjects showed a statistically significant improvement (P<0.001) in Transfer factor of the lung for carbon monoxide (TLCO), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1st sec (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) and slow vital capacity (SVC) after yoga practice. Quality of life also increased significantly. It was concluded that pranayama & yoga breathing and stretching postures are used to increase respiratory stamina, relax the chest muscles, expand the lungs, raise energy levels, and calm the body.

Event related potentials in anemic school--going girls of age group 8 to 10 years.

In the present study the effects of anemia on cognitive functions were studied in school going girls aged 8-10 years. The cognitive functions were assessed by Event Related Potentials (P300) and by the psychometric tests, i.e., Raven's progressive matrices test and Digit span attention test. The girls with Hb < 12 g/dl were classified into anemic and Hb > 12 g/dl into control group. Hematological values of the control group were significantly better than anemic group. P300 latency in the anemic girls was delayed as compared to control group but, no statistically significant difference was observed for P300 latency and P300 amplitude between the control group and the anemic group. The psychometric test scores for intelligence quotient and transformed quotient were also better but not statistically significant in control group of girls as compared to anemic girls. However, the hematocrit values showed a significant correlation with the P300 wave latency showing that the hematological status is associated with some effects on cognition.

Effect of pranayama & yoga-asana on cognitive brain functions in type 2 diabetes-P3 event related evoked potential (ERP).

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Electrophysiological evidence of delayed cognition as measured by P300, an evoked potential is observed in Diabetes mellitus. P300 (or P3) is a component of endogenous cerebral evoked response that assesses higher functions of the brain. Our study aims to see the role of pranayama and yoga-asana on P300 latency and amplitude in type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: Sixty patients of type 2 diabetes were recruited from diabetic clinic and divided into two groups - control group on only conventional medical therapy and yoga-group on conventional medical therapy along with pranayama and yoga-asana. Basal recordings of P300 and blood glucose were taken at the time of recruitment and second recordings repeated after forty five days for both the groups. P300 was recorded on Nihon Kohden Neuropack mu MEB 9100 using auditory "odd-ball paradigm". The data were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's test at 5 per cent level of significance. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement in the latency and the amplitude of N200, P300 was observed in the yoga group as compared to the control group. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that yoga has a beneficial effect on P300 and thus can be incorporated along with the conventional medical therapy for improving cognitive brain functions in diabetes.

Cognitive status in hypothyroid female patients: event-related evoked potential study.

AIM: Higher brain functions are adversely affected in hypothyroid patients. The central nervous system features of hypothyroidism include mental retardation, various cognitive and memory deficits that have been evaluated by different neuropsychological tests. In the present study event-related potentials (ERPs) have been used to assess the cognitive status of hypothyroid patients before and after treatment. METHODS: Twenty-six newly diagnosed hypothyroid female patients with a mean age of 31.85 +/- 8.57 years and 26 female controls with a mean age of 30.92 +/- 7.24 years were the subjects of the study. The ERPs were recorded on a computerized evoked potential recorder using the 10-20 system of electrode placement and the standard auditory 'oddball' paradigm. The first recording of ERPs was done at the time of diagnosis and the second recording was done 3 months after the start of treatment in a euthyroid state. RESULTS: Prolongation of latencies was found in the early ERP components (N100, P200 and N200) in hypothyroid patients compared to controls, while no significant group differences were found on P300. In the hypothyroid group all the ERP latencies decreased significantly after attainment of euthyroidism compared to pretreatment values. ERP amplitudes revealed no significant group differences between hypothyroid patients and controls, but significant amplitude increases were found on the waves of N200 and P300 after treatment compared with pretreatment values in the hypothyroid group. CONCLUSIONS: Hypothyroid patients showed prolongation of latencies only in the early ERP components compared to controls. In hypothyroid patients, ERP findings indicate a speeding of sensory and cognitive processing in a state of euthyroidism compared to the pretreatment condition.

Influence of pranayamas and yoga-asanas on serum insulin, blood glucose and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes.

A distinguishable feature of type 2 diabetes besides hyperglycemia and deranged lipid profile is an impaired insulin secretion, peripheral insulin resistance and obesity which has become a major health concern worldwide. India with an estimated 31million diabetics in 2000 and 79mllions by the yr 2030 has the highest number of type 2 diabetics in the world. In this study, we aimed to see if yoga-asanas and pranayamas have any influence in modifying certain biochemical parameters. Sixty patients of uncomplicated type 2 diabetes (age 35-60 yrs of 1-10 yrs duration) were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=30): performed yoga along with the conventional hypoglycemic medicines and group 2 (n=30): patients who only received conventional medicines. Duration of the study was 45 days. Basal recordings of blood glucose (fasting and post-prandial), lipid profile and serum insulin were taken at the time of recruitment and the second reading after forty five days. Results showed a significant improvement in all the biochemical parameters in group 1 while group 2 showed significant improvement in only few parameters, thus suggesting a beneficial effect of yoga regimen on these parameters in diabetic patients.

Pulmonary functions in petrol pump workers: a preliminary study.

Occupational exposures to petrol/diesel vapors have been shown to affect functioning of different systems of the body. The present study was planned to assess the pulmonary functions in petrol pump workers (filling attendants) who are continuously exposed to petrol/diesel vapors during duty hours. Thirty healthy non-smoker males working in petrol pump for more than one year formed the study group, while thirty healthy non-smoker males from hospital staff served as control group. The pulmonary functions were assessed using computerized spirometer. The FVC and FEV1 were decreased in the study group while their ratio did not differ much. Both the inspiratory and expiratory flow rates were also decreased in the study group. These findings point towards adverse effects of petrol/diesel fumes mainly on lower airways with restrictive pattern of disease.

Effect of caffeine on central auditory pathways: an evoked potential study.

Caffeine is consumed in various forms like tea, coffee, chocolates and colas. The present study evaluated the effect of caffeine on auditory brainstem response (ABR), mid latency response (MLR) and slow vertex response (SVR) in 40 male volunteers. The recordings were done using a computerized evoked potential recorder by 10-20 electrode placement system. The subjects consumed 3mg/kg body weight of caffeine after 12h abstinence from caffeine in any form. The data obtained revealed that latencies of waves IV and V along with I-V interpeak interval of ABR decreased significantly. This was accompanied with significant increase in amplitude of wave V. MLR latencies and latency of P1 wave of SVR was significantly decreased following caffeine ingestion. The results indicated that caffeine improves transmission in the peripheral and central brain auditory pathways.

Cerebellar control of visceral responses-possible mechanisms involved.

It seems reasonable to assume that cerebellar autonomic control operates according to similar principles as those utilized in the somatomotor coordination. The unique and very uniform neuronal architecture throughout the cerebellum speaks in favour of such a view.

Auditory evoked potential responses in chronic malnourished children.

Auditory evoked potential responses were recorded in 20 chronic malnourished children in age group 3-6 years and in 20 healthy age and sex matched controls using an 5200 Neuropack plus ( Nihon Koden, Japan) evoked potential recorder. The absolute peak latencies, inter peak latencies and amplitude of waves I-V of brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) were analyzed. The mid latency responses (MLRs) were also studied in these children. Malnutrition was characterized by stunting, which indicated chronicity of nutritional deprivation. The children with chronic Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) had prolonged peak latencies of waves I, II, III and IV. The interpeak latencies I-III and III-V were also prolonged. The amplitude of wave I and V did not show any significant difference as compared to controls. The middle latency responses were not significantly different from the controls. Thus malnutrition affects the peripheral developmental process of auditory pathways only in the brainstem and the central thalamocortical projections of these pathways are spared.

Pulmonary functions in air conditioner users.

Air conditioning may affect human health since it has profound effect on our environment, than just lowering temperature. The present study was planned to assess the effect of air conditioners (AC) on pulmonary functions in young healthy non-smoker males. The study group comprised of ten subjects who were using AC's in their cars for at least 1 hr daily since last 6 months. While ten subjects who did not use AC at all served as controls. The pulmonary functions were assessed using PK Morgan 232 spirometer in a closed room. The peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and Forced expiratory flow between 25-75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75) were significantly reduced in subjects using car AC's. Inspiratory flow rates also showed a trend towards decline in AC users but could not reach the level of significance. The lung volumes and capacities were not significantly different in the two groups except for forced expiratory volume in 0.5 sec (FEV 0.5 sec), which also decreased in AC users. The airway resistance and lung compliance did not show significant change. In the presence of normal FEV1, reduced FEF25-75% which is the flow rate over the middle half of vital capacity, is an evidence of mild airflow limitation. The result is suggestive of predisposition of AC users towards respiratory disorders in form of mild airflow restriction.

Evaluation of cognitive brain functions in caffeine users: a P3 evoked potential study.

Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed stimulant drugs of the modern world. It brings about a feeling of well-being, relaxation, increased alertness and concentration. Its effects have been studied on brain function and behavior using mood questionnaires, reaction time tests, memory tests, EEG and of late Event Related Potentials (ERPs). This study evaluates the response of caffeine on ERPs and Reaction Time (RT) using auditory "oddball" paradigm. Forty undergraduate medical students volunteered for the study and their ERPs and RT were recorded before and after 40 minutes of ingestion of caffeine. There was a non-significant decrease in latency of N1, P2, N2 and P3 and a significant decrease in Reaction Time after caffeine consumption. The amplitude of P3 showed a significant increase after intake of caffeine. The results of this study indicate that caffeine leads to facilitation of information processing and motor output response of the brain.

Functional status of auditory pathways in hypothyroidism: evoked potential study.

Hypothyroidism is known to be associated with mental retardation, motor dysfunction, memory deficits and hearing impairment. In the present study, the functional integrity of the thalamocortical projections to the primary auditory cortex and association cortex has been assessed by using Auditory Evoked Responses i.e Auditory Brainstem (ABR), Mid Latency Response (MLR) and Slow Vertex Response (SVR). Thirty newly diagnosed hypothyroid patients and thirty healthy controls were taken for the study and ABR, MLR and SVR were recorded on computerized evoked potential recorder using 10-20 system of electrode placement. The second recordings for the hypothyroid patients were done 3 months after treatment with attainment of euthyroid states. The present study revealed a slight increase in absolute latency of wave III of ABR in hypothyroid patients and significant decrease in absolute latency of wave III and interpeak latency of I-III after treatment. There was a significant decrease in amplitude of wave V in hypothyroid patients and significant increase in amplitudes of ABR wave I and wave V after treatment. There was a significant increase in latency of wave Na of MLR and wave P2 of SVR in hypothyroid patients. The latencies of waves Na, Pa, Nb of MLR and waves PI and N2 of SVR showed significant improvement with thyroid hormone treatment. The results of the present study indicates that in hypothyroid state there might be slow conduction at the periphery and with treatment there is better recruitment of neuronal pool of the generators of the waves of ABR in the brainstem. We can also conclude that the thalamocortical projections of the auditory pathways are adversely affected in the hypothyroid state and this improves after treatment.

Introducing problem-based learning in physiology in the conventional Indian medical curriculum.

BACKGROUND: Problem-based learning (PBL) is a widely acclaimed student-centred learning method. However, there are few reports of its use in the traditional lecture-practical-tutorial model of learning. We used PBL for teaching one module of Physiology to first-year medical undergraduate students who had no prior exposure to PBL. METHODS: One hundred first-year medical undergraduates enrolled in a medical college, which follows the traditional teaching-learning methods, participated in the exercise. The scheduled classes on 'Physiology of the thyroid gland' were converted into a PBL block to be covered over a week. An orientation of the teachers and students to PBL was done, clinical cases selected and tutor guides prepared before the actual PBL week. During the PBL week, students were exposed to small group discussions and Interactive resource sessions, and were given time for self-study. The PBL week concluded with a review session and evaluation of the PBL block using questionnaires. RESULTS: A comparison of the pre- and post-PBL questionnaire showed a clear preference for PBL over the conventional curriculum for the interactive resource sessions and group discussions. Both students and teachers found PBL rewarding. CONCLUSION: Implementation of PBL is feasible even in a traditional set-up despite limited resources, rigid time schedules and little interaction among various disciplines. We hope our experience would encourage other teachers to introduce appropriately modified PBL in their ongoing curriculum.

Midbrain cholinergic mechanisms regulating cardiovascular responses during hypothalamic defence reaction.

1. Hind limb blood flow and arterial blood pressure were recorded during aggressive behaviour induced on electrical stimulation of the anterior hypothalamic area and the central gray, in anaesthetised cats. 2. Bilateral microinfusions of atropine sulphate (20 ug/ul) were made in the midbrain central gray, and the effect on the behavioural and cardiovascular components recorded. 3. Atropine sulphate was found to decrease the hind limb vascular conductance obtained on stimulation of the hypothalamic and the midbrain defence areas. 4. It was found that the recovery of the behavioural components of aggression required at least 1-5 days as compared to the cardiovascular components which reappeared after 3 weeks of atropine sulphate microinfusions. 5. These results suggest that although the cholinergic muscarinic mechanisms play an important role in eliciting both the behavioural and the cardiovascular responses from the same site, yet the two mechanisms may operate differently.

Midbrain cholinergic mechanisms in elicitation of hypothalamic aggressive responses in cats.

1. Electrodes were implanted stereotaxically in the central gray, and the anterolateral regions of the hypothalamus, in chronically prepared cats. 2. The affective attack behaviour elicited on electrical stimulation of the hypothalamic and the midbrain regions was recorded in the caged animals. 3. Bilateral microinfusions of atropine sulphate were given in the central gray and the effect on the midbrain and the hypothalamic responses studied. 4. Cholinergic blockade by atropine sulphate raised the threshold of many of the components of attack behaviour obtained on stimulation of the central gray, and from the anterior hypothalamic regions. 5. Muscarinic receptors may be playing an important role in the central gray regions for the modulation of the aggressive responses from the hypothalamus.

Auditory brainstem evoked responses in healthy north Indians.

Auditory brainstem evoked potential responses (ABR) were recorded from CZ-A1 and A2 scalp regions in 132 healthy normal subjects in four age groups (in yr; less than 15, 16-25, 26-45 and greater than 46). The normative data for absolute, interpeak latencies and amplitude of waves V and I in each group are being reported. A mean value of 2.09, 1.85 and 3.97 msec for IPLs I-III, III-V and I-V respectively is worked out representing a normal baseline, irrespective of age. As significant sex related differences are seen in IPLs, two separate values for male and females are given along with 99 per cent tolerance limit. The values of IPLs for males are 2.13 (2.58 TL) for I-III, 1.88 (2.30 TL) for III-V, 4.03 (4.48 TL) for I-V and for females 2.05 (2.44 TL) for I-III, 1.80 (2.25 TL) for III-V, 3.89 (4.42 TL) for I-V in msec. These values in Indian subjects are comparable to those reported in the West.

Sensory nerve conduction during cold pressor response in humans.

A study was carried out to find the correlation, if any of autonomic responses and experimental pain induced during the cold pressor test (CPT) with the median nerve sensory conduction velocity (SCV). In 19 healthy subjects who volunteered for the study, the nondominant hand of each was subjected to the CPT and, pain parameters, heart rate, blood pressure and SCV were recorded. Dominant median nerve SCV was measured by orthodromic stimulation of the index finger and evoked responses were recorded at the wrist. In each subject, 32 evoked action potential responses were averaged to determine the SCV. Median nerve SCV of 57.8 +/- 5.2, 56.6 +/- 5.1, 57.0 +/- 5.2 and 57.8 +/- 5.1 m/sec were recorded before, during, immediately after and after ten minutes of the CPT, respectively. The SCV and the amplitude of the evoked response were significantly (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01 respectively) decreased during the CPT. A significant relationship (P < 0.05) was found between nerve conduction parameters and diastolic blood pressure recorded before the CPT. These findings suggest that sympathetic overactivity and/or cold induced pain interacts with sensory conduction in the contralateral median nerve so as to decrease its conduction velocity. There also exists a relationship between SCV and vasomotor mechanisms controlling peripheral resistance, and hence the diastolic pressure.

Brainstem auditory evoked responses in primary hypertension.

Brainstem auditory evoked potential responses (BAEPs) were recorded from CZ-A1 and CZ-A2 scalp regions in 23 hypertensive and 14 normotensive subjects. Hypertension was graded depending upon the extent of raised blood pressure. BAEPs in patients of grade I and II hypertension did not show any change when compared to normotensive subjects. However, grade III hypertensive case showed significant prolongation of absolute peak latencies of wave I, II, V and interpeak latency of wave III-V indicating involvement of brainstem auditory pathways. Multiple regression analysis revealed significant correlation of rise in systolic and diastolic blood pressure with absolute peak latencies of BAEPs in hypertensive patients.

Neurotoxic effects of rubber factory environment. An auditory evoked potential study.

The effects of rubber factory environment on functional integrity of auditory pathway have been studied in forty rubber factory workers using Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEPs) technique to detect early subclinical impairments. Results indicate that 47 percent of the workers showed abnormalities in prolongations of either peak latencies or interpeak latencies when compared with age and sex matched control subjects not exposed to rubber factory environment. The percent distribution of abnormalities (ears affected) were in the order of extrusion and calendering (75%) > vulcanising (41.66%) > mixing (28.57%) > loading and dispatch (23.07%) > tubing (18.75%) sections of the factory. This incidence of abnormalities may be attributed to solvents being used in these units of rubber factory. These findings suggest that rubber factory environment does affect auditory pathway in the brainstem.

Role of yoga in modifying certain cardiovascular functions in type 2 diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVES: 1. To study the effect of forty days of Yogic exercises on cardiac functions in Type 2 Diabetics. 2. To study the effect of forty days of Yogic exercises on blood glucose level, glycosylated hemoglobin. METHODS: The present study done in twenty-four Type 2 DM cases provides metabolic and clinical evidence of improvement in glycaemic control and autonomic functions. These middle-aged subjects were type II diabetics on antihyperglycaemic and dietary regimen. Their baseline fasting and postprandial blood glucose and glycosylated Hb were monitored along with autonomic function studies. The expert gave these patients training in yoga asanas and they pursued those 30-40 min/day for 40 days under guidance. These asanas consisted of 13 well known postures, done in a sequence. After 40 days of yoga asanas regimen, the parameters were repeated. RESULTS: The results indicate that there was significant decrease in fasting blood glucose levels from basal 190.08 +/- 18.54 in mg/dl to 141.5 +/- 16.3 in mg/dl after yoga regimen. The post prandial blood glucose levels decreased from 276.54 +/- 20.62 in mg/dl to 201.75 +/- 21.24 in mg/dl, glycosylated hemoglobin showed a decrease from 9.03 +/- 0.29% to 7.83 +/- 0.53% after yoga regimen. The pulse rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly (from 86.45 +/- 2.0 to 77.65 +/- 2.5 pulse/min, from 142.0 +/- 3.9 to 126.0 +/- 3.2 mm of Hg and from 86.7 +/- 2.5 mm of Hg to 75.5 +/- 2.1 mm of Hg after yoga regimen respectively). Corrected QT interval (QTc) decreased from 0.42 +/- 0.0 to 0.40 +/- 0.0. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that better glycaemic control and stable autonomic functions can be obtained in Type 2 DM cases with yoga asanas and pranayama. The exact mechanism as to how these postures and controlled breathing interact with somato-neuro-endocrine mechanism affecting metabolic and autonomic functions remains to be worked out.