ABSTRACT
Lower back pain is a prevalent and incapacitating global disorder, often attributed to factors such as prolonged standing, excess weight, and heavy lifting. Radiculopathy, a condition leading to lower back pain radiating to the lower extremities, is a common manifestation. This case study focuses on a 46-year-old businesswoman presenting with specific lower back discomfort and pain in her left lower extremity during certain movements. She reported experiencing severe lower back pain a month ago after an 8-hour standing period, with a Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score of 8 and an Oswestry Disability Index score of 29, indicating a significant impact on her overall life.
The McKenzie method, a prescribed exercise approach for spine management, was employed for diagnosis and treatment. This case study illustrates the clinical presentation, causes, diagnosis, radiological assessment, and management of lumbar radiculopathy using the McKenzie technique and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). The study spanned three weeks with three sessions per week, including reassessment after each week.
The findings suggest that the McKenzie technique combined with TENS had a substantial positive impact in alleviating lumbar radiculopathy.
Keywords: Lumbar radiculopathy, McKenzie, TENS, low back pain, lumbar spine

ABSTRACT
The current review explores the intricate mechanism and diverse therapeutic applications of prebiotics and probiotics in promoting gastrointestinal health. Prebiotics, nondigestible compounds, foster the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, while probiotics, live microorganisms directly contribute to the microbial balance. Therapeutically, these agents have demonstrated efficacy in treating and preventing various gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome diseases, and antibiotic–associated diarrhoea. Additionally, their impact extends beyond the gut, influencing systemic conditions such as metabolic syndrome and mental health. Understanding the intricate interplay between prebiotics, probiotics, and the host provides insights into developing targeted interventions for personalized healthcare. This review highlights the evolving landscape of prebiotic and probiotic research, emphasizing their potential as innovative therapeutic tools for a range of health conditions.

Keywords: Prebiotics, probiotics, gastrointestinal health, therapeutic applications, metabolic syndrome

ABSTRACT
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare and assess the knowledge, attitude, and perceived factors towards research amongst undergraduate (UG) Optometry students in India with an International scenario. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among Indian and international UG Optometry students. A modified questionnaire was used to collect data from UG optometry students through an online Google form, which was circulated electronically. Results: Out of 154 subjects [(77 Indian & 77 Abroad), Male-60% & 30% while Female-40% & 70% respectively], 36 Indian subjects (46.7%) & 61 Abroad subjects (79.2%) were having an idea to research while (93.5%) & (80.5%) were having interest towards research respectively. The common perceived factors including, Inadequate support by faculty (27%& 27%), Inadequate motivation (28.6% & 32.5%), Inadequate financial support (27.3%& 31.2%), Lack of time (13%& 49.4%), need of adequate training (36.3%& 28.6%), lack of skills and knowledge (35.1%& 37.7%), lack of interest (22.1% & 27.3%) and not have any opportunities to take part in research (24.7%& 13%) were observed in Indian and Abroad subjects respectively. All factors mentioned were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05) with the Chi-square & ANOVA test in SPSS version 21. Conclusion: Most students had a positive attitude or interest in eye health research, but Indian students lacked an ample number of resources in comparison to abroad ones. So, a positive cum supportive environment (including the availability of optimum resources) is needed to improve skills & knowledge about research amongst UG optometry students during their academic life. Keywords: Optometry, Research methodology, Education, Eye-care, Research barriers