A comprehensive evaluation of brain derived neurotropic growth factor gene on Bharatnatyam dancers

Research significance:Dance symbolizes rhythmic body movements to music intending expression of an idea or emotion that delights the performer.Bharatanatyam,an imperative form of Indian Classical dance,has therapeutic implications including enhancement of cognitive function.Neurotrophins belonging to the nerve growth factor family essentially regulate neuronal growth,development and maintenance.The Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor(BDNF)is a member of this family.Long-term memory and learning are vitally influenced by BDNF.In Bharatanatyam,new movements are learntand they are practiced until perfection.Every newly learntmovement initially stays in short-term memory and with practice,it reaches the long-term memory.And thus,a favorableincrease in plasma BDNF levels can be associated with Bharatanatyam.In the BDNF gene,rs6265 is a common single nucleotide polymorphism,which results in a valine(Val)being substituted with methionine(Met)in the prodomainat codon 66(Val66Met).This genetic variation affects the BDNF protein’s activity-dependent release.Research methods:With an intention to delve into the link between BDNF gene variants and Bharatanatyam,we conducted an observational research study on 93 participants with their due consent.The study group included 45 dancers and 48 non-dancers.Results anddiscussion:Genotype suggesting optimal BDNF production was proportionately higher in dancers(40%)than non-dancers.Many of the dancers with optimal BDNF genotype expressed a feeling of happiness as their mental status after one hour of dancing and also took up other exercises(like skating/badminton/basketball player etc)as well.While amongst dancers with sub-optimal BDNF genotype,most of them did not take up any other exercise(like skating/badminton/basketball player etc)andalso expressed a blank feeling as their mental status after one hour of dancing.Thus,BDNF has an evident role in the formation of new learning and memory.

The establishment of pancreatic islet isolation in India-an update on human pancreatic islet transplantation

Background:Diabetes is a widespread disease with increasing prevalence.Transplantation of islets of Langerhans is a viable treatment for a selected group of patients with repeated hypoglycemic episodes in type 1 diabetes.The countries where islet transplantation has not been explored suffer from insufficient knowledge concerning key elements of the isolation process.Donor and organ procurement parameters impact human islet yield,although for research purposes,islet yield may be secondary in importance to islet function.This paper will analyze the feasibility of research-only human islet isolation and signify parameters underlying a successful yield in the Indian population.This eventually can make islet transplantation a clinical reality in India.Method:After receiving the consent for procuring brain-dead pancreas from the first-degree of relatives,samples were collected and transported in a transportation buffer at 4℃.The procedure consists of a mechanically enhanced enzymatic digestion of the pancreas,after which it was taken for purification using Ficoll method,followed by islet quality testing.Results:Through 15 isolations done over a span of approximately 2 years during the COVID pandemic in India,we confirm that ischemic time and glycated hemoglobin,each have a negative impact on isolation purity and yield.Notably,extending cold ischemic tim beyond the typical clinical isolation cutoff of 12 hours(to≥18 h)had a huge impact on islet function and yield.Age had a negative correlation with islet yield;however other biological parameters(specifically body mass index)and isolation variables appear to make a significant contribution to the heterogeneity of human islet yield.Our current work demonstrates the feasibility of extending acceptable cold ischemic time for research-focused human islet isolation and highlights the biological variation in isolation of human islets from donors with and without diabetes.Conclusion:India requires establishment of an islet transplant program using the current standard methods of“islet isolation”and donor program and process.Research should focus on improving standards in the islet preparation process to increase the number of successful preparations,shorten the isolation time,and increase patient safety so that the theoretical risk involved can become a practical reality.

Assessment of cardiovascular e ndurance in B haratanatyam d ancers

Background:The nature and duration traditional Bharatanatyam training bring about a wholesome physiological improvement in terms of balance,flexibility,stamina,and respiratory efficiency.Aerobic fitness is essential in sustaining endurance exercise,like a long dance performance,as it keeps the muscle fatigue away for longer.Regular practice improves the aerobic metabolic pathway of dancers,which is characterized by increased oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal in the muscles.The current study sought to assess the aerobic fitness and cardiovascular endurance of Bharatanatyam dancers compared to non-dancers.Methods:The study population included 30 females in the age group of 16-25 years,including 15 dancers(Group I)and 15 non-dancers(Groups II).Their VO 2max,or peak oxygen consumption,was assessed using the modified Canadian aerobic fitness test,a sub-maximal step test.The two groups were compared based on demographics,BMI,VO 2max,pre and post-test heart rate.Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel.All test results were two-tailed,and a probability value(P-value)less than 0.05 was taken to be statistically significant.Results:The analysis revealed that Bharatanatyam dancers had a significantly lower BMI(P-value=0.002),post-test heart rate(P-value=0.01),and difference in the pre and post-test heart rate(P-value=0.019);and higher VO 2max(P-value=0.000)when compared to the control group.There was a significant association between the practice of Bharatanatyam and VO 2max(Fisher exact test;P-value=0.000).Within the Group I(dancers;n=15),there was a significant inverse correlation between BMI and VO 2max(r_(s)=-0.546,P-value=0.001),post-test heart rate and VO 2max(r_(s)=-0.461,P-value=0.01);and difference in the pre and post-test heart rate and VO 2max(r_(s)=-0.412,P-value=0.02).Finally,there was a mild positive correlation between practice days/week and VO 2max,although not statistically significant(r s=0.3841,P-value=0.157).Conclusion:The overall higher level of aerobic capacity of dancers when compared to non-dancers can be attributed to the way Bharatanatyam training is traditionally designed with graded training protocols and gradually increasing intensities of performance pieces;as well as the individual's initial fitness level and the frequency,intensity and duration of the training.Thus,we conclude that Bharatanatyam has the framework necessary for improving various aspects of the dancer's health.