ABSTRACT
Introduction: In order to halt the progression of COVID-19, governments of many countries including India implemented national lockdown. In view of the sudden closure of educational institutions, remote teaching was implemented with the help of online learning or E-learning. Thus, the aim of the study was assessing the attitudes and perceptions of MBBS students regarding the effectiveness of e-learning and the impact of COVID-19 on the student’s mental wellbeing and learning. Methods: The survey instrument was a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 17 close ended questions and 3 open ended question. It has 3 sociodemographic questions, 13 questions assessing their attitudes and perceptions regarding the effectiveness of e-learning and 4 questions investigating the impact of COVID-19 on the student’s mental wellbeing and learning. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS (version 20). Results: A total of 404 undergraduate students studying in FMHS, SGT University, Gurugram participated in the survey. A major part of the students (57.1%) was using their Mobile phones for e-learning followed by 24.6% using their Personal computer or Laptop, 12% were using combination of these devices and 6.3% using tablets. Due to inconsistent internet connection, most of the students (71.5%) were facing challenges. 64.9% of the respondents faced distraction during the class such as lack of audio clarity, internet connection problems, lack of environment, concentration issues, notifications and social media, student teacher interactions, practical aspect not covered and lack of physical interaction with the teacher. The continuous screen time posed a major problem for students who suffered from strain in the eyes (58.3%), headache (18.7%), neck pain (8.8%), back pain (6.3%) or all of the above problems (7.7%). Thus, 84.1% of the undergraduate students preferred conventional Classroom learning to e-learning. Conclusions: Implementation of strict social distancing and lockdown in COVID-19 era, has mandated the pedagogy of remote learning which remains the only viable option for teaching and learning in these difficult times. The students should be advised to follow good ergonomic practices to maintain their ocular health and should be motivated to enhance their mental well-being and learning amid COVID-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Humanity currently faces one of its biggest challenges, created by a tiny quasi-life form, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The rapidity of spread and the enormous burden placed on public health infrastructure by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has forced researchers to look for quick answers for therapy. Drug repurposing is probably the quickest way to develop an effective therapy in a very short time. With additional input from artificial intelligence (AI), drug repurposing may emerge as one of the major techniques by which humanity can overcome this as well as future challenges. The field of rheumatology has been one of the biggest benefactors of drug repurposing. This article reviews the various ways drugs used in rheumatological disorders are being repurposed for possible COVID-19 treatment. An overview of other nonantiviral drugs being repurposed is also undertaken, and the role of AI in drug repurposing is touched upon. © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background: A novel coronavirus disease started in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. With its rapid spread, many cases were reported from other countries resulting in more than 2 million confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide. Health care workers (HCWs) are the frontline warriors of any outbreak response and as such are exposed to hazards that put them at risk of infections, here with the coronavirus. Aim and Objective: Incidences of morbidity and mortality among HCWs have also been reported in many countries. Despite these isolated reports, a comparative data among the majorly affected countries were not available. In this article, an attempt has been made to review the effect of COVID-19 on the health of the HCWs. Materials and Methods: This is an observational study where data regarding morbidity and mortality among HCWs were collected by online search until April 30, 2020. Data were collected from the World Health Organization website and government and health-care websites. Various online newspaper articles were also checked and relevant information was collected. To evaluate and analyze, a data collection sheet was prepared. Results: In our study, the number of affected HCWs was highest in Spain, followed by Italy, the United States of America, China, and the UK. Till April 2020, the total number of affected HCWs in India although very less, the correlation between infection and death in HCWs due to COVID-19 was found statistically significant. Conclusion: The HCWs being the frontline warriors in the fight against COVID-19, they should be provided with adequate protective measures to minimize morbidity and mortality in them.
ABSTRACT
Corona virus infection which is caused by the novel coronavirus COVID-19 is a present wide-ranging pandemic. India reached its first 1 lakh infection on18th May 2020, and as of 18 th of October crossed 74 lakhs The union government has undertaken several steps to restrain the community spread. Since there is currently no drug or vaccine obtainable against this virus, maintenance social and physical distancing is the preferred way to slow down the spread by interrupting the chain of transmission. Minimization of contact with infected surfaces, regular hand washing, wearing mask compulsorily, physical distancing (at least 1 m), and avoiding crowding are a few measures that each and every individual is advised to incorporate in their routine lives. the present paper aims to discuss about the what are the measures taken for fight against COVID 19 and condition of mental health in the pandemic period.
ABSTRACT
Passive immunotherapy using whole blood or plasma from recovered patients is a potential therapeutic strategy for infections with no known drug therapy or prophylactic vaccines. Much before, the concept of transfusing neutralizing antibodies through convalescent blood or plasma was established;this modality demonstrated its effectiveness in containing the havoc caused by diphtheria and tetanus during the early 20th century. Convalescent blood products were effective in reducing the mortality risk when administered early in the disease course during the deadliest pandemic of Spanish flu in 1918. Even in the antibiotic era, the use of passive immunization strategy continued to expand with promising results against measles, Ebola, Argentine hemorrhagic fever, and Zika viruses. It was also effective in reducing the mortality and viral load in severe acute respiratory syndrome, H5N1, H1N1, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. Convalescent plasma administration carries the risk of anaphylactic reactions, transfusion-related acute lung injury, and transfusion-associated circulatory overload, but these are extremely rare. The impact of the recent coronavirus disease 2019 is enormous with significant morbidity and mortality. Until, a specific antiviral therapy or an effective vaccine is made available, the consideration for use of convalescent blood products, especially plasma, is warranted. Conceptual and observational wisdom often blossoms among therapeutic penury. © 2020 Indian Journal of Rheumatology Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow.