R. Khadka, B. Paudel, M. Lamsal, N. Shrestha, M. Regmi, Sailaja Chhetri, P. Karki
{"title":"Effect of yoga on cardiac autonomic tone and lipid profile in perimenopausal women","authors":"R. Khadka, B. Paudel, M. Lamsal, N. Shrestha, M. Regmi, Sailaja Chhetri, P. Karki","doi":"10.3126/jpsn.v2i2.50174","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/jpsn.v2i2.50174","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases and cholesterol levels are increased postmenopausal/perimenopausal women. Cardiac autonomic tone as assessed with heart rate variability (HRV) is also altered in postmenopausal women. Yoga practice improves vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women. Whether yoga can improve HRV and cholesterol levels in perimenopausal women is not clear. \u0000Methods: Sixty perimenopausal women, not on any medication, were randomized into two groups; yoga (n=30, age 44±2.64 years) and control (n=30, age 46±5.09 years). The yoga group practiced meditation, pranayama, and few simple asanas for 40 min/day, 6 days/week for four weeks along with their daily routine activities. The control group practiced no additional exercises except their daily routine activities. Short-term HRV, lipid profile, and other biochemical parameters were assessed at the beginning and after four weeks and compared. \u0000Results: Both groups were comparable in terms of their age body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and respiratory rate at 0 week. The yoga group showed a decrease in BMI, HR, systolic BP, total cholesterol [167.81±32.69 vs 144.46±26.98 mg/dl, p=0.013], LDL-cholesterol [118.19±28.25 vs 94.33±23.55 mg/dl, 0.002]; and an increase in HDL-cholesterol (49.62±6.34 vs 56.37±8.19 mg/dl, p=0.004), markers of cardiac parasympathetic tone [SDNN {33.3(24.35-40.1) vs 43.2(34.4-50.1) ms, p=0.041}, rMSSD {25.2(21.95-33.05) vs 30.6(25.1-38.0) ms, p=0.034}, and high frequency power] after four weeks of yoga practice. \u0000Conclusion: Parasympathetic tone and HDL-cholesterol increased, whereas total and LDL-cholesterol, BMI, HR, and systolic BP decreased in perimenopausal women after four weeks of yoga practice. It is suggested that yoga can be a cardio-protective alternative therapeutic measure in perimenopausal women.","PeriodicalId":241370,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Physiological Society of Nepal","volume":"70 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128584807","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}
Esha Shrestha, Shreesh Shrestha, T. Pramanik, Smriti Singh
{"title":"Effect on heart rate and blood pressure after mental stress in coronary artery disease patients and normal individuals","authors":"Esha Shrestha, Shreesh Shrestha, T. Pramanik, Smriti Singh","doi":"10.3126/jpsn.v2i1.42588","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/jpsn.v2i1.42588","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in almost every region of the world. One of the major risk factors for coronary artery disease is stress. The study was carried out to find the effect of mental stress on heart rate and blood pressure in coronary artery disease patients and in their age-matched normal counterparts. \u0000Materials and methods: Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded before and immediately after standardized mental stress (mental calculation for a minute) after necessary instruction among the volunteers (n=100, 50 coronary artery disease patients and 50 control, age 40-80 years) and then analyzed. \u0000Results: The mean HR was 75.40/min and the mean SBP was 121.84 mmHg of patient before stress which increased to 80.26/min (HR) and 135.12 mmHg (SBP) after stress. Similarly, the mean HR was 76.72/min and SBP was 116.24 mmHg before stress which increased to 80.5/min (HR) and 121.56 mmHg (SBP) after stress in normal individual. The result of the study showed mental stress induced rise in heart rate and blood pressure in both the groups. Nevertheless, mental stress induced increase in systolic blood pressure in patients exhibited higher than that of their aged-matched normal counterparts (p<0.05). \u0000Conclusions: The incidence of coronary artery disease is increasing day by day in the modern society. The measurement of heart rate and blood pressure (casual and mental stress induced) may help the clinicians to predict/screen coronary artery disease, especially the silent ones, and can prevent sudden angina pain.","PeriodicalId":241370,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Physiological Society of Nepal","volume":"450 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124288965","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":"Online teaching learning during COVID-19 pandemic : perception and challenges faced by teachers","authors":"Ramesh Subba, H. Subba","doi":"10.3126/jpsn.v2i1.42589","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/jpsn.v2i1.42589","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Online teaching can play a vital role in the process of teaching and learning during COVID-19 pandemic. However, teachers’ perceptions and challenges are major factors in the adoption and effectiveness of online teaching learning, especially at institutions where it is newly adopted. This study aimed to investigate the perception and challenges faced by nursing teachers regarding online teaching learning during the pandemic in Bharatpur, Chitwan. \u0000Materials and methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 162 nursing teachers of different nursing colleges of Chitwan actively involved in online teaching learning for undergraduate and postgraduate programs during the pandemic. Non-probability enumerative sampling technique was used to select the sample. A structured questionnaire consisting of 23 items (5-point Likert scale) covering four domains for teachers perception (usefulness, ease of use, system use and behavioral intention toward online teaching learning) was distributed to the teachers using Google Form from 2021 June 5th to 2021 July 20th. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. \u0000Results: More than half (56.2%) of the teachers had good perception towards online teaching learning during COVID 19 pandemic. Teachers faced challenges to implement online teaching learning such as poor internet connection, electricity problem, difficult to assemble all the students for the class, difficult for interaction with students, and lack of information technology skills. \u0000Conclusions: Despite having to confront numerous challenges in the online teaching process, teachers can demonstrate the positive perception toward technology of online teaching. Teachers need to be equipped with e-learning technology for effectiveness of online teaching classes.","PeriodicalId":241370,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Physiological Society of Nepal","volume":"20 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115593703","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":"Depression, anxiety and stress study amidst COVID-19 in dental undergraduates","authors":"N. Madhikarmi, Aastha Shrestha, S. Pandey","doi":"10.3126/jpsn.v2i1.42592","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/jpsn.v2i1.42592","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Persistent stress can impair the student’s wellbeing leading to diminished efficiency at work or learning. Dental students are frequently exposed to various stressors that are related to treatment procedures, training and administrative challenges in the college. The aim of the present study is to assess the stress, anxiety and depression levels of dental students during COVID-19. This study aimed to examine the impact of depression, anxiety and stress during COVID-19 pandemic. \u0000Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kantipur Dental College Teaching Hospital & Research Center, Kathmandu Nepal during covid-19 pandemic. The study was conducted with 150 students with 50 students each from first year, second year and third year. Levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Depression, anxiety and stress scale -21 (DASS-21); statistical analysis were performed using SPSS 20.0 and p<0.05 was considered level of significance. \u0000Results: The total DASS score was calculated as 33.76 ± 23.12, the students showed normal, mild, moderate, severe and extremely severe groups but the maximum frequency was in normal DASS group. The study included four times more female students than male, only 27.33% did regular exercise, 40% reported financial burden on dental study. \u0000Conclusions: A significant relation both on academic as well as social life factors of DASS was noticed on dental undergraduates during COVID-19 which is an alarming situation, emphasizing need of intervention, with the development of appropriate support services for this group.","PeriodicalId":241370,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Physiological Society of Nepal","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129982947","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":"Current perspective on osteoarthritis: a narrative review","authors":"Sony Pokhrel, O. Nepal","doi":"10.3126/jpsn.v2i1.42587","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/jpsn.v2i1.42587","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory joint disease affecting mobility in humans. It is caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. It is one of the ten most disabling diseases in developed countries. In this review we aimed to appraise the current evidence for the short as well as long term prevention and available effective treatment approaches for osteoarthritis. The objective of this study is to discuss about the risk factors, clinical methods of treatment, prevention and recent development in pathophysiological understanding of osteoarthritis. \u0000Materials and methods: Full length published articles and journals were collected from different reliable sites, PubMed, Hinari and Medline. Among the accessed materials, 52 full length articles were selected excluding studies that only provided abstract as published papers. \u0000Results: The incidence and prevalence was high among the people who had suffered from joint injury or undergone joint surgery recently in their lives. The risk was also high in people with bone malalignment, altered shape of bone and muscle strength. High muscle/fat ratio showed a protective effect against KOA prevalence. The incidence also depends on age and sex, obesity, bone density and mass, diet and genetic factors. \u0000Conclusions: The risk is high among people with joint injury, old people, obese, people with poor diet, patients undergone joint surgery and in women after menopause. Definitive treatment for OA hasn’t been available yet but, there are ways for prevention and treatment of OA. Pharmacological treatment includes NSAIDs, non-pharmacological includes exercise, physical activity and diet whereas surgical method includes total joint replacement.","PeriodicalId":241370,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Physiological Society of Nepal","volume":"99 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116644449","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}
M. Bajimaya, N. Mahotra, L. Shrestha, S. Pradhan, N. Malla, S. Kandel, Sonam Chaudhary, Sanyukta Gurung
{"title":"Manual differential count and automated differential leukocyte count in normal individuals: a comparative study","authors":"M. Bajimaya, N. Mahotra, L. Shrestha, S. Pradhan, N. Malla, S. Kandel, Sonam Chaudhary, Sanyukta Gurung","doi":"10.3126/jpsn.v2i1.42289","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/jpsn.v2i1.42289","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Differential leukocyte is a frequently ordered laboratory test. It is the percentage distribution of types of leukocytes on a stained film. There are two methods to determine differential leukocyte count which are manual and automated. Manual method is considered the gold standard and is used to validate differential counts obtained by automated method. The comparative knowledge about the different methods to determine differential leukocyte count may guide us to use of proper method to determine the differential count more accurately and in a shorter time. The study aims to compare differential leukocyte count of normal blood samples by manual and automatic methods.\u0000Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted in laboratory of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. A total of 347 blood samples of adults that did not show abnormalities in automatic analyzer were included in the study by purposive sampling method. Blood smears for manual count were prepared by Leishman’s stain.\u0000Results: A significant difference was observed between manual and automated leukocyte differential counts in 100 and 200 cells per specimen in neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils.\u0000Conclusions: The study concludes the need of improving accuracy and reliability of the automated methods. A reference range generated by further studies could help provide more accurate determination of differential leukocyte count.","PeriodicalId":241370,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Physiological Society of Nepal","volume":"5 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128571019","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":"Relationship between mindfulness and perceived stress in first year medical students of a medical college in Nepal: a cross-sectional observational study","authors":"Lok Raj Joshi, Niraj Pandey, Shaligram Chaudhary","doi":"10.3126/jpsn.v2i1.42590","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/jpsn.v2i1.42590","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Though mindfulness-based strategy is receiving attention to manage stress among medical students globally, role of mindfulness in the Nepalese context has not been studied. We aimed to study the relationship between perceived stress and trait mindfulness among first year medical students in a medical college in Nepal. \u0000Materials and methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in which all of the participants completed the structured self-administered questionnaire online. Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale was used to assess trait mindfulness and Perceived Stress Scale to assess perceived stress. Information about some potential stressors was also collected. Simple correlation as well as multiple linear regression analysis supplemented with relative weight analysis were performed to study the relationships. \u0000Results: Seventy-nine out of 99 first year medical students of the college participated in the study. Mean mindful attention awareness score was 3.88 (SD=0.78) and mean perceived stress score was 21.98 (SD=6.03). Perceived stress score correlated negatively and significantly with mindfulness score (Pearson’s r= -0.38, 95% CI= -0.56 to -0.18, p-value = 0.0005). Relative weight analysis also revealed significant and comparable (but in opposite direction) predictor roles of mindfulness and perceived academic course difficulty in prediction of perceived stress. However, sex, home country, perceived economic pressure, perceived peer pressure and perceived study environment adversity did not reach predictor significance in the relative weight analysis. \u0000Conclusions: Trait mindfulness is a significant predictor of perceived stress among first year medical students in the Nepalese context. Higher mindfulness is associated with lower perceived stress.","PeriodicalId":241370,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Physiological Society of Nepal","volume":"160 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115437242","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":"Variation of bleeding time and clotting time in the ABO blood groups","authors":"Seerina Adhikari Manandhar, M. Amatya","doi":"10.3126/jpsn.v1i2.42287","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/jpsn.v1i2.42287","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Blood grouping, bleeding time (BT) and clotting time (CT) are important hematological parameters investigated before any surgical procedure. The association of blood groups with many diseases are established, such as epistaxis with blood group “O”. This study aimed to assess the relationship of BT and CT among different blood groups and to find any gender difference in these parameters. \u0000Materials and methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among healthy medical students. Blood grouping was done by agglutination method, BT by Duke’s method, and CT by capillary tube method. Mean bleeding and clotting times (seconds) were compared among groups. \u0000Results: The study was completed in 351 students (160 males, 191 females), with age ranging from 19-23 years. Both BT and CT values were highest in the blood type O, BT was lowest in type B, and CT was lowest in type AB, although the differences were statistically not significant (p>0.15). Females had higher values of BT as well as CT than males (p values <0.001). A very highly significant correlation between the bleeding and clotting times was also noticed (Pearson’s correlation coefficient, P = 0.495, p<0.001). \u0000Conclusions: The study hinted a tendency for higher risk for hemorrhagic condition and lower risk for thrombotic event in blood group O compared to groups A, B or AB. Multicentric study including larger population with the emphasis on finding plasma vWF level may be helpful to verify findings, identify the risk groups, and take prior preventive measures.","PeriodicalId":241370,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Physiological Society of Nepal","volume":"20 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132129101","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":"Endurance vs. strength exercise","authors":"N. Mahotra","doi":"10.3126/jpsn.v1i2.42275","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/jpsn.v1i2.42275","url":null,"abstract":"No abstract available.","PeriodicalId":241370,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Physiological Society of Nepal","volume":"21 3","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131613036","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}
N. Bhat, N. Mahotra, L. Shrestha, Vibina Aryal, Nirmala Rayamajhi, Sanyukta Gurung
{"title":"Relationship between body mass index and simple visual reaction time in students of a medical college of Nepal","authors":"N. Bhat, N. Mahotra, L. Shrestha, Vibina Aryal, Nirmala Rayamajhi, Sanyukta Gurung","doi":"10.3126/jpsn.v1i2.42286","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/jpsn.v1i2.42286","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Obesity is a chronic condition with an increase in adipose tissues. It is known to affect various systems of body including the central nervous system. Reaction time is a measure of the integrity of the central nervous system which is an integrated voluntary response to a stimulus that includes receiving and processing of stimulus, drawing inference, and generating a motor response. This study was conducted with the objective of finding a relationship between body mass index, a measure of obesity and simple visual reaction time. \u0000Materials and methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 60 participants aged 18-25 years. The body mass index of participants was calculated using Quetelet’s index, calculated by weight in kilograms divided by square of height in meter. Deary-Liewald reaction time task software version 3.10 was used to analyze their simple visual reaction time. Correlation of reaction time and body mass index was assessed using Pearson’s correlation test. \u0000Results: A weak positive correlation (r= 0.17) was observed between body mass index and simple visual reaction time but the correlation coefficient was not statistically significant (p=0.19). \u0000Conclusions: Slower visual reaction time with an increase in body mass index was noted. But the findings of current study were inadequate to deduce if any linear relationship exists between simple visual reaction time and body mass index.","PeriodicalId":241370,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Physiological Society of Nepal","volume":"25 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125631569","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}