{"title":"Effect of acute predator stress on learning and memory in a zebrafish model","authors":"L. Ramalingam, Vijayakumar Madhaiyan","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.11538202217042023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.11538202217042023","url":null,"abstract":"Background: In zebrafish, the stress system is represented by the hypothalamo–pituitary–interrenal axis which is similar to human HPA axis. Several studies have reported that stress affects the learning and memory in humans and rodents. Like humans, zebrafish form spatial memories and its cholinergic system is involved in learning and memory. In one study, it has been reported that exposing zebrafish to its natural predator stress (Indian Leaf Fish) has resulted in significant behavioral response. Therefore, here, we propose this study to model learning and memory in zebrafish using predator stress. Aims and Objectives: The study aims to model learning and memory in zebrafish using predator stress and evaluate the influence of predator stress on learning and memory in zebrafish. Materials and Methods: 12 adult zebrafishes (Danio rerio) were divided into two groups: Stress group (n = 6) and control group (n = 6). Fish in the stress group individually was exposed to Indian leaf fish (predator stress) for 20 min (acute exposure) through live simulated video with audio intervention under completely closed environment without any entry of outside light source. Control group fish was not exposed to any stress. Plus maze learning session was conducted in both stress (before and after stress) and control fish, and short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM) were recorded. Results: Between day 1 and day 6 of training among the stress group and control group fishes, both showed a significant establishment of memory of the location of the food arm. The test group fishes showed significant changes in STM, immediately after exposure to the predator stress, but not in control group. LTM did not have any significant changes in both groups. Conclusion: Stress in the form of predator produced an acute change in STM established in these fishes. This effect in zebrafish observed could be effect of the traumatic event in the form of predator that the zebrafish is exposed to and that has resulted in an acute state of confusion and memory loss.","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81978903","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
K. Chaithra, E. Sparshadeep, Basavaraj Rajesh, Bai Priyadarshini, G. Kavana
{"title":"Critical evaluation of drug promotional literature using the WHO guidelines: A hospital-based, cross-sectional, and observational study","authors":"K. Chaithra, E. Sparshadeep, Basavaraj Rajesh, Bai Priyadarshini, G. Kavana","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.06332202307072023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.06332202307072023","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Drug promotional literatures (DPLs) offered by pharmaceutical companies are crucial tools for promoting their products to prescribers. The printed DPLs distributed by pharmaceutical companies are frequently biased, according to numerous studies. Aims and Objectives: The study was undertaken with the objective of evaluating the accuracy of the DPL using the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional and observational study of 6-month duration was carried out in the outpatient departments of a tertiary care hospital to analyze the DPL of different pharmaceutical companies using the WHO criteria for “Ethical criteria for medicinal drug promotion, 1988.” Microsoft Excel was used for the analysis of descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 246 (75.5%) brochures satisfied more than 50% of the WHO criteria. References to scientific literature 146 (44.8%); efficacy information 60 (18.4%); side effects and major adverse drug reactions (ADRs), precautions, warnings and contraindications, and major drug interaction 76 (23.3%), 54 (16.6%), and 56 (17.2%) respectively; exaggerated claims 112 (34.5%); fixed dose drug combination promotion 221 (67.5%); single DPL with multiple drug promotion 104 (31.9%) were the relevant percentage distribution of various components of the total DPLs analyzed in the study. Conclusion: The pharmaceutical companies adequately advertise their brand and generic names, and dose and dosage forms but lack the adequacy and accuracy in the safety and efficacy information, and the source of literature in their respective drug promotional materials.","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85513940","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Chika, Edith Otalike, Salihu Lawal, M. Umar, Abdulkadir Usman, A. Amali, M. Yahaya, A. Adamu
{"title":"Repositioning of FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection: Structure-based virtual screening and in vitro assay","authors":"A. Chika, Edith Otalike, Salihu Lawal, M. Umar, Abdulkadir Usman, A. Amali, M. Yahaya, A. Adamu","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.11528202213022023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.11528202213022023","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Computer-aided repositioning of approved drugs is an increasingly popular strategy for the discovery of effective therapies. The potency of the newly repositioned drugs can be optimized using them as a component of an effective drug combination, thereby achieving the desired therapeutic effect at a lower and more tolerable drug concentration. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to perform structure-based virtual screening and repurposing of FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of methicillin resistance by Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and perform an in vitro validation of the prediction. Materials and Methods: Following ethical clearance at the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, molecular docking was performed against 5 validated protein targets involved in the development of methicillin resistance by SA and an in vitro validation of the prediction was done using 3 of the top-ranking drug candidates against methicillin-resistant vancomycin-susceptible strain of the pathogen (ATCC 43300). Results: Desmopressin and docetaxel, two of the 20 top-ranking repurposed drugs discovered through virtual screening, enhanced the inhibitory effect of oxacillin against the ATCC 43300 SA strain in a ratio-dependent manner, although each of the two drugs singly was only weakly effective against the bacterial strain. The standard drug, vancomycin (also among the top-scoring candidates), alone, was effective against ATCC 43300 strain and in combination with oxacillin, the two drugs produced a ratio-dependent synergistic effect against the bacterial strain. Conclusion: These findings suggest that oxacillin-based combinations with desmopressin, docetaxel, and the standard drug vancomycin, three of the 20 top-ranking drugs, at optimum ratios, may be beneficial in reversing the resistance of the ATCC 43300 SA strain to oxacillin, thus supporting the prediction of the molecular docking results.","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"73 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82372083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Innovation in teaching-learning methods with an effective application of adult learning principles for the first year of allied health science courses","authors":"S. Jared, M. Faith, D. Selvakumar, R. Vyas","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.01005202313012023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.01005202313012023","url":null,"abstract":"Background: In Indian context, most of the allied health science (AHS) courses are taught using an “apprenticeship model” rather than, structured, planned teaching methodologies. Aims and Objectives: This study was focused to reform the teaching methodology guidelines for faculty, to afford enthusiastic learning of AHS students in the classroom environment and evaluating their performance through formative and summative assessments. Materials and Methods: AHS students from Christian Medical College, Vellore, India (n = 33) were inducted into the study. The traditional lectures for gastro-intestinal tract had completed by physiology faculty. The diet-nutrition topic chose for horizontal integration between physiology and biochemistry subjects. This integrated module was handled by one of the biochemistry faculty and sessions were observed by two other faculties as observers from departments of physiology and biochemistry. The observers followed the guidelines to evaluate the teaching methodology through prevalidated checklist used a modified Likert scale. The degree of agreement between two observers was determined using Cohen’s kappa statistics. The students’ performance was evaluated with students paired “t” test for written test and viva voce marks based. Results: The results demonstrated that the inter-rater reliability calculated by the observers for teaching methodology on integrated session of the biochemistry faculty was significant with a score of 93%, with total criterion score of 28 and a matched criteria score of 26. As well proved an improvement in the students’ learning process, evidenced by better performance in the post-test and structured viva voce. Conclusion: The new innovative teaching methods exercised by the faculty, demonstrated enhanced performance of the students with horizontal integration, proving the robustness of this module.","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"32 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82553191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pattern of cutaneous adverse drug reactions in an adverse drug monitoring center at a tertiary care hospital in Kerala","authors":"S. Parvathy, M. Sunitha","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.12610202213012023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.12610202213012023","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Pre-marketing clinical trials can filter only about 50% of the drug reaction. Hence, to prevent the morbidity and mortality due to severe cutaneous reactions early detection, evaluation and monitoring of adverse drug reaction (ADR) especially cutaneous ADR (CADR) are mandatory. Hence, it is imperative that we update our knowledge of the precise nature of ADR which will prevent the reactions as well as to find the offending drug. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the pattern of CADR, the suspected drugs and to perform the causality assessment using WHO casualty assessment scale. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was done using the data reported to ADR monitoring center in the Department of Pharmacology by the health-care professionals. Suspected CADR was diagnosed by the consultants concerned. The CADRs collected were categorized according to their morphology into maculopapupar rash (MPR), fixed drug eruptions (FDE), urticaria, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. The causality assessment was done using WHO Causality assessment scale. Results: The mean age was 47.20 + 22.31. The most common CADR reported was Urticaria 65.5% followed MPR 23%, FDE 8.8%, and Steven Johnsons Syndrome 2.2%. Anti-microbial drugs were the most frequent cause of the adverse reactions with Amoxicillin clavulinic acid combination being the most frequent suspected drug producing CADR (13.3%). The WHO causality assessment for majority of CADR was Possible (73.5%). Conclusion: Clinical Patterns of CADRs in this set up have some minor variations when compared to studies done across India. Amoxicillin clavulinic acid is the most common suspected drug in this study which was not frequently reported in other ADR monitoring centers.","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82212983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of body mass index on ulnar nerve conduction velocity among medical students","authors":"C. K., U. Mahesh, S. Kumar, M. L., S. S.","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.02063202310022023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.02063202310022023","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Obesity and overweight incidence is increasing among the medical students. The main reason for obesity among medical students is sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy food intake and stress. Increase in subcutaneous fat impairs the conduction in nerve fibers. Body mass index (BMI) is an easy tool to assess the obesity as it is noninvasive and non-expensive. Nerve conduction studies are the tools for assessing the performance of the nervous system. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of obesity on the ulnar nerve conduction velocity among medical students. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 medical students were recruited for the study and the study was done in the Department of Physiology, ESIC Medical College, Hyderabad. Two groups were made Group A (n = 25 with BMI 18.5–24.9) and Group B (n = 25 with BMI >25). AD instrument was used for data acquisition for right ulnar nerve conduction velocity in both the groups. Results from both the groups were compared. Results: Nerve conduction velocity among the Group B students (50.95 ± 15.91) was decreased compared to Group A students (57.56 ± 14.79) but the decrease in nerve conduction velocity was not significant (P = 0.28). Conclusions: Nerve conduction velocity gets impaired with obesity among medical students, but further studies need to be done with more sample size.","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"59 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78681221","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The effects of chronic intraperitoneal monosodium glutamate in social interaction and on rotating rod in adult Swiss albino mice","authors":"Manish Mohan M, Nirmal George, Shobha P","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.07374202324082023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.07374202324082023","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Short-term use of monosodium glutamate (MSG) induces anxiety in animals. Due to the lack of stringent regulations for food supplements and increase in the use of MSG in the past decade, the long-term effects of MSG need to be evaluated. There is a scarcity of the literature on the chronic effects of MSG on anxiety, hence the present study. Since anxiety models require an intact motor function, motor function was also evaluated. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term effects of intraperitoneal (i.p.) MSG on mice models of anxiety (social interaction) and motor function (accelerating rota rod). Materials and Methods: The present prospective interventional study was conducted on 40 adult male Swiss albino mice. Mice were randomly divided into four equal groups to receive, distilled water, and MSG at doses of 40, 60, and 80 mg/kg/day for 3 months. Parameters were assessed at baseline, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months of daily MSG administration. Statistical tests of significance were the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Friedman test (within group) and Kruskal–Wallis Test (between groups), P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Social interaction time was reduced in all the MSG-treated groups (P < 0.05) without any change in motor function (P > 0.05). Anxiety was evident from 40 mg/kg/day MSG from the 1st month till 3 months compared to baseline and controls. Duration-dependent change in social interaction was observed with MSG at doses of 40 mg/kg/day and 60 mg/kg/day. Dose-dependent change in social interaction was not observed among treatment groups. Conclusion: Long-term administration of MSG produced anxiogenic effects at doses of 40 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg, and 80 mg/kg without impairing the motor functions in the mice.","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"2 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86987856","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A study on junk food consumption of 1st-year MBBS students aged 19–21 years of batch 2021–22 at Sri Siddhartha Medical College and Hospital, Tumakuru","authors":"D. A, Chaitanya Prakash","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.11570202230012023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.11570202230012023","url":null,"abstract":"Background: As per National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, “Junk food is foods containing little or no proteins, vitamins, or minerals but are rich in salt, sugar, fats, and are high in energy (calories).” Many studies show junk foods have an adverse effect on both physical and mental health. Aims and Objectives: This study was taken up to take an insight into the adverse effects of excess calorie consumption during stress which is associated obesity and depression. Materials and Methods: A study on junk food consumption at SSMC, Tumkur to study the relationship between mental and physical health with the consumption of junk food among 1st-year MBBS students. A cross-sectional study was done on 1st-year MBBS students aged 19–21 year at SSMC, Tumkur with the approval of Institutional Ethics Committee. A modified questionnaire was circulated among 150 1st year MBBS students aged 19–21 years at SSMC, Tumkur through Google forms. The data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics and interpreted. Results: About 49% of the participants consumed junk foods regularly with 34% of the participants consuming more than once per week. More than 65% of participants consumed junk food in the evening. Around 46% of participants preferred weekend to consume junk foods. More than 50% of the participants consume junk foods when they are residing in hostel rather than home. More than 70% of the participants prefer junk food consumption during screen time. Conclusion: Factors that have led to consumption of junk food are affordability and cravings. Preference of consumption of carbonated drinks with junk food is also high. The study also shows a strong association of junk food consumption with stress and screen time behavior. Due to its low nutritional value, junk food should be discouraged. Hence, awareness program should be included in to the curriculum of all medical students and in other professions also.","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86362039","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aabha Phalak, P. Patel, B. Prajapati, Harsh K. Mod
{"title":"Dehydration fever in exclusively breastfed neonates at a tertiary care center – A cross-sectional study","authors":"Aabha Phalak, P. Patel, B. Prajapati, Harsh K. Mod","doi":"10.5455/njppp.2023.13.052882023006062023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/njppp.2023.13.052882023006062023","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Dehydration fever is one of the most common non-infectious causes of fever in newborns. It can be very dangerous and can lead to serious complications and even death. Early recognition of dehydration fever by serial monitoring of weight to detect inappropriate weight loss and early correction of dehydration fever can prevent disastrous complications in the baby. Aims and Objectives: The aim was to study the incidence and clinical profile of dehydration fever in exclusively breastfed neonates admitted at tertiary care hospital. The primary objective is to know the incidence of dehydration fever in exclusively breastfed neonates. Secondary objectives are to study the clinical and laboratory profile of dehydration fever and to study the management and outcome of dehydration fever in terms of morbidity and mortality. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics of a tertiary care hospital in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Neonates between 0 and 28 days of life born at full term (37–40 weeks of gestation), on exclusive breastfeeding and having an axillary temperature of >37.5°C/100.4°F and clinical signs of dehydration were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory profile of neonates with dehydration fever was noted. Results: The incidence of dehydration fever was 4.71/100 neonates (152 out of 3225 neonatal admissions). Maximum cases were noted in May. The most common predisposing factor was primiparity (n = 119 [78.28%]), followed by the poor establishment of breastfeeding (n = 117 [76.97%]) and cesarean section delivery (n = 97 [63.81%]). Among 152 neonates with dehydration fever, 118 neonates (77.64%) had hypernatremic dehydration and 34 (22.36%) had isonatremic dehydration. All the neonates with dehydration fever were successfully treated. No deaths were observed in the present study. Conclusions: Dehydration fever is an important cause of neonatal fever in tropical countries like India, especially during the summer months. The present study highlights the need to be vigilant about dehydration, hypernatremia, and hyperbilirubinemia in breastfed neonates while emphasizing the need to promote exclusive breastfeeding. Dehydration fever can be prevented by educating mothers regarding breastfeeding techniques, beginning in the antenatal period. Those with identifiable problems should be referred promptly for lactation management and supportive counseling.","PeriodicalId":18969,"journal":{"name":"National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86560058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}