MyMedR

Displaying all 4 publications

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext Lightning Behaviour during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Yusfiandika F, Lim SC, Gomes C, Chockalingam A, Cheng Pay L

F1000Res, 2021 09 09;10:906.
PMID: 34804502 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.70650.2

Background COVID-19 has drastically dampened human activities since early 2020. Studies have shown that this has resulted in changes in air temperature and humidity. Since lightning activities are dependent on air temperature and humidity, this study is conducted to evaluate the correlation between the intensity of lightning activities with the atmospheric changes, and investigates the changes, in lightning activities due to atmospheric changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The hypothesis was tested through a t-test and Pearson's correlation study. The variation trend of lightning strikes count (LSC) in Europe and Oceania during the five months COVID-19 lockdown period (March - July) compared to the same period in the previous five years from 2015 to 2019 is investigated. Results Statistical analysis shows the LSC in Europe and Oceania during the lockdown period dropped significantly by more than 50% and 44% respectively compared to the same period in previous five years. Furthermore, LSC was found to be positively correlated with air temperature and relative humidity in Europe. However, in Oceania, LSC seems to be only positively correlated with air temperature but negatively correlated with relative humidity. Conclusions This study seems to suggest that lightning activities have significantly changed during this pandemic due to reduction in human activities.
Fulltext Evaluation of doctors' performance as facilitators in basic medical science lecture classes in a new Malaysian medical school

Ismail S, Salam A, Alattraqchi AG, Annamalai L, Chockalingam A, Elena WP, et al.

Adv Med Educ Pract, 2015;6:231-7.
PMID: 25878516 DOI: 10.2147/AMEP.S78441

Didactic lecture is the oldest and most commonly used method of teaching. In addition, it is considered one of the most efficient ways to disseminate theories, ideas, and facts. Many critics feel that lectures are an obsolete method to use when students need to perform hands-on activities, which is an everyday need in the study of medicine. This study evaluates students' perceptions regarding lecture quality in a new medical school.
Siddha fasting in obese acute decompensated heart failure may improve hospital outcomes through empowerment and natural ketosis

Chockalingam A, Kumar S, Ferrer MS, Gajagowni S, Isaac M, Karuparthi P, et al.

Explore (NY), 2021 12 23;18(6):714-718.
PMID: 34987003 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2021.12.003

BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity (BMI > 35 kg/m2 with comorbid conditions) is present in 25 - 35% of acute decompensated heart failure (AHF) patients. Prevalence of HF increases with duration of morbid obesity from 30% at 15 years to over 90% at 30 years. There is a need to develop pragmatic therapies that address the unique physical and mental challenges faced by obese AHF patients. Siddha is 5,000 year old Tamil Medicine using yoga and mind-body methods towards higher consciousness. Hunger gratitude Experience (HUGE) is intuitive Siddha fasting method which may improve in-hospital AHF outcomes independent of weight reduction.
CASE SUMMARY: We present 5 cases of morbidly obese patients with cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) that began intermittent fasting either during their AHF hospitalization or in the outpatient setting for refractory symptoms despite hospitalization. Initiation of fasting correlated with reduction of respiratory distress and edema as well as improvements in psychological wellbeing and functional capacity.
DISCUSSION: Siddha fasting mediates hemodynamic and anti-inflammatory effects through natural ketosis and psychological benefits through empowerment in AHF. Potential role of fasting in reducing myocardial workload, coronary steal, angina, volume overload, and CRS needs further study in cardiac patients.
Fulltext A Web-Based Global Educational Model for Training in Semen Analysis during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Agarwal A, Finelli R, Durairajanayagam D, Leisegang K, Sharma R, Gupta S, et al.

World J Mens Health, 2021 Oct;39(4):804-817.
PMID: 34169688 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.210075

PURPOSE: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Center for Reproductive Medicine (ACRM) transitioned its annual training in assisted reproductive technology (ART) from a hands-on, laboratory-based training course to a fully online training endorsed by the American College of Embryology. Here we describe our experience and assess the quality of an online training format based on participant outcomes for the first three modules of a planned series of online ART training.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: These modules included manual semen analysis, sperm morphology and ancillary semen tests (testing for leukocytospermia, sperm vitality, and anti-sperm antibody screening). The virtual format consisted of lecture presentations featuring laboratory protocols with corresponding video demonstrations of routine techniques and best practices. Practical scenarios, troubleshooting, and clinical interpretation of laboratory results were also discussed. At the end of each module, an optional multiple choice question test was held as a prerequisite to obtain certification on the topics presented. Course quality was assessed using participant responses collected via online surveys.
RESULTS: The digital delivery methods used were found to have largely or completely met the participants' expectations for all questions (>85%). The majority (>87%) of the participants either strongly agreed or agreed that the course content was well-structured with appropriate depth, and that their overall expectations of the course had been met.
CONCLUSIONS: This training format appears to be a realistic teaching option to freely share highly specialized expertise and technical knowledge with participants from anywhere in the world with varying levels of competency or experience.