Ananda Vayaravel Cassinadane

Abstract

The internet of Things (IoT) in medical arena, also known as internet of medical things (IoMT) is the collection of medical devices and application connecting healthcare Information Technology (IT) system by means of online computer networks. It enables virtually any medical devices as well as non digitalized things (like pills and beds) to connect process and communicate data via web. IoMT allows medical devices and health-care items to exchange data on the spot, online with anyone who has a genuine need for it. The aura of IoMT includes wireless communication technologies, cloud computing, wearable technologies, messaging protocols, security methods, development boards, microcontrollers, mobile/IoT operating systems, and programming languages, built upon numerous technologies including advanced sensors, IoT connectivity and artificial intelligence (AI). IoMT can improve healthcare quality and reduce costs too in hospitals and clinics. In places where distance is the limiting factor, Telemedicine plays a vital role in remote patient monitoring. Major applications include biomedical equipment remote monitoring, remote patient monitoring biosensors and radio frequency identification. IoT in Dentistry aims to streamline oral health care by enhancing oral health while reducing costs, promoting workflow, relieving dentists and dental workers of tedious and time-consuming activities, and igniting interest in personalized oral health care.   Keywords: Internet of things, Internet of medical things, Internet of dental things, Biosensors, Radiofrequency identification, Remote monitoring, Artificial intelligence.

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Abstract

Background: The lockdown posed a great impact on teaching and learning process which aided in the shift of face to face education to virtual classroom. As the e- learning was newly introduced, it was difficult to execute initially due to prior unpreparedness. Aim: We put forth this study to analyse student's perspective and challenges faced in online education during pandemic times. The study was done in medical and allied health science colleges of Chennai and Puducherry. This is cross-sectional study conducted between June and August 2020. Materials and Methods: This is an online survey conducted through google forms circulated to undergraduates and post graduates of medical and allied health science courses. Statistical Analysis: Frequencies and percentages were used to express the data. Statistical Analyses were done by SPSS software and graphs were made by Microsoft excel. Results and Conclusion: We received response from 419 participants. Mobile phone was the widely used gadget to access online class. Most of the institutes conducted online class daily and assessment twice weekly. In student’s point of view, though e- learning had several disadvantages like poor net connectivity, clinical training inadequacy, difficulty in attending class for longer duration and unfavourable learning environment, it proved constructive at pandemic time. On improvement in the design of the learning environment and teaching system, the online learning platform would better to serve its purpose in future pandemic.   Keywords: Clinical training, E learning, Lockdown, Virtual classroom.

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Abstract

The surge in the spread of the corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic alerted us to opt for the preventive medicine, as prevention is always better than cure. Apart from wearing mask, frequent hand washing and social distancing, strengthening our immune response plays a pivotal role in preventing infections. Vitamin D not only aids in calcium and phosphate homeostasis but also acts as an immunomodulator; the deficiency of which is linked with various respiratory and systemic infections. Hence we took up this review to study the effect of vitamin D in corona illness. Vitamin D exerts the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, hinders zinc metabolism, lowers Interleukin 6 levels and thereby inhibits cytokine storm in covid patients. Studies have proved that the covid patients have vitamin D deficiency and its supplementation improves the disease severity as well as the length of hospital stay. To conclude, Vitamin D supplementation can protect as well as halt the progression of corona virus disease. Further trials are needed to set the therapeutic levels in various stages of corona illness.   Keywords: Vitamin D, Covid- 19, Cytokine storm, Interleukin- 6, Immunomodulation.

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