Mind over Microbes: Investigating the Interplay between Lifestyle Factors, Gut Microbiota, and Brain Health.

BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota (GM) of the human body comprises several species of microorganisms. This microorganism plays a significant role in the physiological and pathophysiological processes of various human diseases. METHODS: The literature review includes studies that describe causative factors that influence GM. The GM is sensitive to various factors like circadian rhythms, environmental agents, physical activity, nutrition, and hygiene that together impact the functioning and composition of the gut microbiome. This affects the health of the host, including the psycho-neural aspects, due to the interconnectivity between the brain and the gut. Hence, this paper examines the relationship of GM with neurodegenerative disorders in the context of these aforesaid factors. CONCLUSION: Future studies that identify the regulatory pathways associated with gut microbes can provide a causal link between brain degeneration and the gut at a molecular level. Together, this review could be helpful in designing preventive and treatment strategies aimed at GM, so that neurodegenerative diseases can be treated.

Yoga as a Preventive Intervention for Cardiovascular Diseases and Associated Comorbidities: Open-Label Single Arm Study.

Aim: Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) is a standardized yoga protocol authored by experts from all over the world under the aegis of the Ministry of AYUSH, Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homeopathy (AYUSH). The potential of CYP can be determined as a cost-effective lifestyle modification to prevent the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Methods: In this prospective trial, we compared the effect of CYP at baseline and after 1 month. A total of 374 yoga-naïve participants performed CYP under the supervision of experienced trainers. Physiological [body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, percent oxygen saturation], biochemical (fasting blood glucose and lipid profile), and neurocognitive parameters were measured before and after the intervention. Results: At day 30 of yoga practice, serum levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were found significantly improved as compared to the baseline levels observed at the time of enrollment. Similarly, the lipid profile was also obtained from experienced trainers and found to be significantly different from those of yoga-naïve volunteers. When the intervention was compared between the healthy yoga-naïve participants with yoga-naïve participants suffering from medical issues, it was found that cholesterol profile improved significantly in the healthy-naive group as compared to the diseased group (hypertension, diabetes, underwent surgery, and CVD). Conclusion: These results highlight the need for further research to better understand the effects of yoga on the primary prevention of CVD.

Outcomes following parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease: a single-centre study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical parathyroidectomy may be required for severe and refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Parathyroidectomy is associated with long-term survival benefit despite an increase in short-term morbidity and mortality. Global variation in practice exists, with limited Australian data on outcomes following parathyroidectomy. AIM: To evaluate clinical outcomes of patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing surgical parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for SHPT between January 2010 and December 2019 at a single tertiary referral centre in Melbourne, Australia. Biochemical markers and medications were assessed 12 months pre- and post-surgery. Clinical outcomes, including hospital readmission, cardiovascular events and mortality were assessed following surgery. RESULTS: During the 10-year study period, 129 patients underwent parathyroidectomy for SHPT (mean age 50.7 ± 15 years; 109 (85%) on dialysis). Significant immediate post-operative complications were seen in eight (6%) patients, requiring admission to the intensive care unit (n = 6) or return to theatre (n = 2). Within the first 6 months, 24 (19%) patients required hospital readmission. Within 12 months post-parathyroidectomy, 100 (78%) and 103 (80%) patients experienced at least one episode of hypercalcaemia (corrected calcium >2.6 mmol/L) or hypocalcaemia (corrected calcium <2.1 mmol/L) respectively. Over a 12-month period, there were six (5%) deaths and eight (6%) patients experienced a major cardiovascular event. CONCLUSION: Significant fluctuations in serum calcium levels are common post-parathyroidectomy; however, long-term morbidity and mortality in our cohort were lower than previously reported, highlighting that parathyroidectomy in a carefully selected cohort is safe for severe SHPT refractory to medical treatment.

Effect of Retinal Injury Induced by Laser Photocoagulation on Visuospatial Memory in Mouse Model.

Visual pathway reveals the connection between neuronal activity of the brain and eye. The neural networks of brain amplify the retinal signals resulting in the formation of visual image. The laser injury in the retina may affect the visual pathway and may lead to disruption of neuronal signals/activity. Therefore, we aimed to study the effect of retinal injury induced by laser on cognitive abilities in laser-induced mouse model. We have established laser model to understand the relation between retina and brain by disrupting retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) layer and evaluate the effect of laser-induced retinal injury on visuospatial memory. Age- and sex-matched C57BL/6J male mice were taken for conducting the experiments. The laser model was established by using laser photocoagulator to disrupt the RPE layer of the retina. After defined irradiation of laser onto mouse retina, the fundus fluorescein angiography was performed to confirm the laser spots. The visuospatial and short-term memory was performed using neurobehavioral test, that is, Morris water maze (MWM), and passive avoidance, respectively. In MWM experiment, results showed that escape latency time, which was taken by healthy and laser-injured mice was comparable. This was further validated by another neurobehavioral analysis, that is, passive avoidance that showed nonsignificant difference between these two groups using independent t -test. Visuospatial memory may not be affected by retinal injury induced by laser photocoagulation. It may depend on the power of the laser and duration of the laser. The severe injury in the retina such as optic nerve damage may cause dysfunctioning of visual pathway.

Role of Microglia and Astrocytes in Spinal Cord Injury Induced Neuropathic Pain.

Background: Spinal cord injuries incite varying degrees of symptoms in patients, ranging from weakness and incoordination to paralysis. Common amongst spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, neuropathic pain (NP) is a debilitating medical condition. Unfortunately, there remain many clinical impediments in treating NP because there is a lack of understanding regarding the mechanisms behind SCI-induced NP (SCINP). Given that more than 450,000 people in the United States alone suffer from SCI, it is unsatisfactory that current treatments yield poor results in alleviating and treating NP. Summary: In this review, we briefly discussed the models of SCINP along with the mechanisms of NP progression. Further, current treatment modalities are herein explored for SCINP involving pharmacological interventions targeting glia cells and astrocytes. Key message: The studies presented in this review provide insight for new directions regarding SCINP alleviation. Given the severity and incapacitating effects of SCINP, it is imperative to study the pathways involved and find new therapeutic targets in coordination with stem cell research, and to develop a new gold-standard in SCINP treatment.

Integrative Approach to COVID-19: An Indian Facebook Recipe for Mental Health.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has given the world a big blow and has forced the entire world to develop a new thought process. To cope with the stress of lockdown, it was important for people to indulge in educational and health activities to save them from the threats being caused by the news and social media. Summary: A Facebook page named Yoga scholars Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) was created where three sessions were held per day for 225 days regularly. This activity resulted in people adopting an integrative approach towards alternative medicine. Key message: This also made possible a trial of Ashwagandha for COVID-19 treatment by the Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) ministry.

Prevalence of Diabetes and Its Determinants in the Young Adults Indian Population-Call for Yoga Intervention.

Background: The young Indian population, which constitutes 65% of the country, is fast adapting to a new lifestyle, which was not known earlier. They are at a high risk of the increasing burden of diabetes and associated complications. The new evolving lifestyle is not only affecting people's health but also mounting the monetary burden on a developing country such as India. Aim: We aimed to collect information regarding the prevalence of risk of diabetes in young adults (<35 years) in the 29 most populous states and union territories (7 zones) of India, using a validated questionnaire. Methods: A user-friendly questionnaire-based survey using a mobile application was conducted on all adults in the 29 most populous states/union territories of India, after obtaining ethical clearance for the study. Here, we report the estimation of the prevalence of the risk of diabetes and self-reported diabetes on 58,821 young individuals below the age of 35 years. Risk for diabetes was assessed using a standardized instrument, the Indian diabetes risk score (IDRS), that has 4 factors (age, family history of diabetes, waist circumference, and physical activity). Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to check the correlations. Results: The prevalence of high (IDRS score > 60), moderate (IDRS score 30-50), and low (IDRS < 30) diabetes risk in young adults (<35 years) was 10.2%, 33.1%, and 56.7%, respectively. Those with high-risk scores were highest (14.4%) in the Jammu zone and lowest (4.1%) in the central zone. The prevalence of self-reported diabetes was 1.8% with a small difference between men (1.7%) and women (1.9%), and the highest (8.4%) in those with a parental history of diabetes. The south zone had the highest (2.5%), and the north west zone had the lowest (4.4%) prevalence. Conclusions: Indian youth are at high risk for diabetes, which calls for an urgent action plan through intensive efforts to promote lifestyle behavior modifications during the pandemics of both communicable and noncommunicable diseases.

Transplantation Efficacy of Human Ciliary Epithelium Cells from Fetal Eye and Lin-ve Stem Cells from Umbilical Cord Blood in the Murine Retinal Degeneration Model of Laser Injury.

A number of degenerative conditions affecting the neural retina including age-related macular degeneration have no successful treatment, resulting in partial or complete vision loss. There are a number of stem cell replacement strategies for recovery of retinal damage using cells from variable sources. However, literature is still deficit in the comparison of efficacy of types of stem cells. The purpose of the study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of undifferentiated cells, i.e., lineage negative stem cells (Lin-ve SC) with differentiated neurosphere derived from ciliary epithelium (CE) cells on retinal markers associated with laser-induced retinal injury. Laser-induced photocoagulation was carried out to disrupt Bruch's membrane and retinal pigmented epithelium in C57BL/6 mouse model. Lineage negative cells were isolated from human umbilical cord blood, whereas neurospheres were derived from CE of post-aborted human eyeballs. The cells were then transplanted into subretinal space to study their effect on injury. Markers of neurotropic factors, retina, apoptosis, and proliferation were analyzed after injury and transplantation. mRNA expression was also analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction at 1 week, and 3-month immunohistochemistry was evaluated at 1-week time point. CE cell transplantation showed enhanced differentiation of rods and retinal glial cells. However, Lin-ve cells exerted paracrine-dependent modulation of neurotrophic factors, which is possibly mediated by antiapoptotic and proliferative effects. In conclusion, CE transplantation showed superior regenerative outcome in comparison to Lin-ve SC for rescue of artificially injured rodent retinal cells. It is imperative that this source for transplantation may be extensively studied in various doses and additional retinal degeneration models for prospective clinical applications.

Potential benefits of Yoga in pregnancy-related complications during the COVID-19 pandemic and implications for working women.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is a vulnerable period of growth and enrichment along with many physiological and psychological challenges. These changes can lead to complications if compounded by external stress and anxiety. COVID-19 has emerged as a chief stressor among the general population and is a serious threat among vulnerable populations. Therefore, there is a need for stress management tools, such as Yoga and physical exercises, both at home and at work. These can be adopted during the pandemic with proper maintenance of social distancing. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compile literature that has reported the health outcomes of Yoga intervention on pregnancy at the workplace and analyzes both the restrictions as well as advantages of its beneficial effects in comparison to physical exercises. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive literature review was conducted utilizing PubMed and Google Scholar. The keywords used for the search include "Yoga", "work", "complications", "physical exercise", "drugs" and "COVID" indifferent permutations and combinations with "pregnancy". We compiled the literature with respect to pregnancy complications and the effects of drugs, physical activity and Yoga for preventing these complications. RESULTS: We noted that pregnancy-related complications are becoming more prevalent because of a sedentary lifestyle, restricted physical activity and growing stress. In such situations, a home or workplace Yoga protocol can combine both exercise and mindfulness-based alleviation of anxiety for both working and non-working women. CONCLUSION: Yoga can be effective for combating stress and anxiety besides boosting immunity in pregnant working women confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effectiveness of Yoga as the Public Health Intervention Module in the Management of Diabetes and Diabetes Associated Dementia in South East Asia: A Narrative Review.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is widely spread in South Asian (ASEAN) and Indian sub-continent. The increasing healthcare costs of DM can be prevented in the developing world by improved public healthcare interventions. Modifiable risk factors of DM like sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and stressful conditions are associated with its progression; however, the epidemiological data collected by Public Institutions are limited. SUMMARY: A review of published literature describing geographic distribution of DM and associated dementia in South Asian region, particularly India, was conducted with the purpose of assessing the feasibility and challenges associated with the Yoga-based risk reduction. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for DM and dementia-related articles by using a combination of keywords: Diabetes, Diabetes related Dementia Southeast Asia, Pre-diabetes, Yoga, lifestyle modification, Dementia and Exercise. The epidemiological data generated from these diseases have not prompted to any major public health policies. Yoga can be a cost-effective intervention for the prevention of Type 2 DM (T2DM) and its associated cognitive decline when detected early. If nationwide intervention of Yoga is brought about by the state, its integration in health care will become more meaningful and acceptable. Key Message: Studies suggest that Yoga and change in lifestyle can modify the health risks associated with T2DM and associated dementia if it is mainstreamed with the public health initiative of Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Guinness world record attempt as a method to pivot the role of Yoga in Diabetes management.

BACKGROUND: Attempts for Guinness world record have continued worldwide but these attempts were rarely aimed to promote public health. Diabetes is one of the rapidly growing lifestyle disorders in India which requires awareness reinforcements among the local population. In recent studies, Yoga has proved to be useful in lifestyle modification and Diabetes management. However, most individuals from rural and urban localities in the country are unaware of this fact. PURPOSE: The purpose was to organizing a nationwide attempt under the Niyantrit Madhumeh Bharat (NMB) programme to break the world record to be the largest Diabetes lesson, to spread awareness among general population. METHODS: Present article represents the perspective of the Chandigarh chapter of NMB programme and its experience in Guinness world record attempt. Diabetes awareness lesson was organized in the city as per the standards defined by the Guinness Book and outcomes of the entire campaign were assessed at the end of the campaign. RESULT: Total 498 individuals participated in the campaign. Among them, 268 participants were questioned at the end of the campaign about the role of Yoga in Diabetes. 247 participants (92%) were agreed that Diabetes can be modified by Yoga and 9 participants (3%) disagreed. The remaining 12 participants (5%) did not give any response. CONCLUSION: We noticed that most of the participants became aware of the role of Yoga in Diabetes.

Creating a role model for "Academicians" Social Responsibility (ASR) synergizing with Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan: A campus hygiene initiative by PGIMER, Chandigarh.

BACKGROUND: The state of disarray from unhygienic conditions and excessive litter throughout urban highways, alleyways, and byways across rural and urban localities of India is abysmal. Such unsanitary conditions impinge upon the future health and welfare of its citizens, tourists and economic development. PURPOSE: The NRL volunteered PGIMER's campus hygiene initiative" is a pioneering effort spearheaded in compliance with Indian Prime Minister's call that citizens of India work together to establish a cleaner and healthier environment. METHODS: A group of 15 highly motivated students in the Neuroscience Division of the PGIMER, worked together vigorously 2 hours a week to affect a cleaner urban environment in the city. RESULT: The results were national Kayakalp and Skoch award to PGIMER as the cleanest hospital in the country, the vendors or patients no longer litter around the campus, the pot holes have been converted into greener patches, signs board adorn the campus. CONCLUSION: To inspire citizens through faculty- student led sanitation programs.

CD34 and CD117 Stemness of Lineage-Negative Cells Reverses Memory Loss Induced by Amyloid Beta in Mouse Model.

A majority of the neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease are untreatable and occur primarily due to aging and rapidly changing lifestyles. The rodent Alzheimer's disease models are critical for investigating the underlying disease pathology and screening of novel therapeutic targets in preclinical settings. We aimed to characterize the stemness properties of human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) derived lineage-negative (Lin-) stem cells based on CD34 and CD117 expression as well as surface morphology using flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The efficacy of the stem cells was tested by its capacity to rescue the injury caused by intrahippocampal delivery of varying doses of amyloid beta. The hUCB Lin- stem cells reversed memory loss due to Aß42-induced injury more effectively at micromolar concentration, and not picomolar concentration. More studies are required to delineate the underlying molecular events associated with hUCB Lin- stem cells.

Potential for Stem Cells Therapy in Alzheimer's Disease: Do Neurotrophic Factors Play Critical Role?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common causes of dementia. Despite several decades of research in AD, there is no standard disease- modifying therapy available and currentlyapproved drugs provide only symptomatic relief. Stem cells hold immense potential to regenerate damaged tissues and are currently tested in some brain-related disorders, such as AD, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD). We review stem cell transplantation studies using preclinical and clinical tools. We describe different sources of stem cells used in various animal models and explaining the putative molecular mechanisms that can rescue neurodegenerative disorders. The clinical studies suggest safety, efficacy and translational potential of stem cell therapy. The therapeutic outcome of stem cell transplantation has been promising in many studies, but no unifying hypothesis can convincingly explain the underlying mechanism. Some studies have reported paracrine effects exerted by these stem cells via the release of neurotrophic factors, while other studies describe the immunomodulatory effects exerted by the transplanted cells. There are also reports which indicate that stem cell transplantation might result in endogenous cell proliferation or replacement of diseased cells. In animal models of AD, stem cell transplantation is also believed to increase expression of synaptic proteins.

Cytoskeleton dynamics in the retina.

BACKGROUND: Cytoskeleton is one of the essential forms of protein, important in the existence of both eukaryotic as well as prokaryotic cells. Its transformation plays a vital role in cell division and intracellular transportation by facilitating intracellular vesicular traffic. Among the various tissue types in the body, the neural tissue exhibits the maximum heterogeneity, and hence the role of cytoskeleton at both developmental and functional levels becomes paramount. Cytoskeleton dynamics have been established in the neural physiology, but only at the level of axonal development and growth. Retina has not been adequately studied in the context of cytoskeletal proteins. METHODS: We reviewed the last 10 years of literature with reference to the development, growth, degeneration, and regeneration of the retina and the role of cytoskeleton in each aspect. We have focused on various changes that the retina undergoes at the cytosolic and cytoskeletal levels in the course of degeneration as well as regeneration. FINDINGS: For this review, we compiled research articles pertaining to the role of cytoskeletal and other associated proteins involved in development of retina, which used various animal models. The effect of SNPs in the cytoskeletal proteins and their impact in retinal degeneration is also discussed. CONCLUSION: Studies describing the role of cytoskeleton in the anatomy and physiology of retina and its layers, although they are few, collectively provide an opportunity to understand retinal development in the context of cytoskeleton dynamics.