Point of care detection of COVID-19: Advancement in biosensing and diagnostic methods.

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has created much inconvenience and fear that the virus can seriously affect humans, causing health hazards and death. This pandemic has created much worry and as per the report by World Health Organization (WHO), more than 43 million individuals in 215 countries and territories were affected. People around the world are still struggling to overcome the problems associated with this pandemic. Of all the available methods, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been widely practiced for the pandemic detection even though several diagnostic tools are available having varying accuracy and sensitivity. The method offers many advantages making it a life-saving tool, but the method has the limitation of transporting to the nearest pathology lab, thus limiting its application in resource limited settings. This has a risen a crucial need for point-of-care devices for on-site detection. In this venture, biosensors have been used, since they can be applied immediately at the point-of-care. This review will discuss about the available diagnostic methods and biosensors for COVID-19 detection.

Correction to: Voltammetric detection of anti-HIV replication drug based on novel nanocomposite gold-nanoparticle-CaCO3 hybrid material.

The Figs. 2, 4 and 5 were published wrongly in this paper, due to inadvertent compilation of figures during uploading the paper.

Graphene nanoflakes on transparent glass electrode sensor for electrochemical sensing of anti-diabetic drug.

Metformin (Mf) plays a major role in controlling insulin level of individuals at risk of developing diabetes mellitus. Overdose of Mf can cause lactic acidosis, diarrhoea, cough, or hoarseness, etc. These particulars point out the identification for selective and sensitive methods of Mf determination. In the present work, graphene nanoflakes-polymethylene blue (GNF-PMB) nano-composites were developed onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (SnO2/F) coated glass substrates for electrochemical sensing of Mf using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The developed sensor shows quick response time (10 s), linearity as 10-103 µM, LOD (0.1 nM), and good shelf life (10 weeks). Attempts have been made to utilize this electrode for estimation of Mf in urine samples. Configured as a highly responsive, reproducible Mf sensor, it combines the electrical properties of GNF and stable electron transfer of PMB. The newly developed Mf sensor presents a promising candidate in point-of-care diagnosis.

Voltammetric detection of anti-HIV replication drug based on novel nanocomposite gold-nanoparticle-CaCO3 hybrid material.

A novel bionanocomposite, horse radish peroxidase- gold-nanoparticle-Calcium carbonate (HRP-AuNPs-CaCO3), hybrid material was encapsulated by silica sol on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The fabricated modified electrode was used as a novel voltammetric sensor for electrochemical sensing of anti-HIV replication drug i.e. deferiprone. The surface morphology of the modified electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results obtained from the voltammetric measurements show that HRP-AuNPs-CaCO3 modified GCE offers a selective and sensitive electrochemical sensor for the determination of deferiprone. Under experimental conditions, the proposed voltammetric sensor has a linear response range from 0.01 to 10,000 µM with a detection limit of 0.01 µM. Furthermore, the fabricated sensor was successfully applied to determine deferiprone level in spiked urine and serum samples.

Understanding Female and Male Insights in Psychology: Who Thinks What?

Evolutionary psychology is the study of human psychological behavior. During childhood, men and women behave similarly; however, as a child approaches puberty, new physical and behavioral changes emerge. Behavioral psychology focuses on understanding the functioning and thought processes of the human mind. The general population lacks knowledge of basic behavioral differences between men and women, leaving them unaware of their role, limitations, societal responsibilities, resulting in an underestimation of their own natural talents and biology. Thus, people tend to follow societal norms rather than exploring and utilizing their natural talents. The current review was designed and conducted to enforce compression on behavioral psychology in both genders as well as to identify variations in hormonal activity and sexual preferences.

Evading Musculoskeletal Conditions Using Qigong as a Rescue Technique.

Classically, Qigong is a Chinese technique that has been practiced in China for the past 3,000 years for healing the inner self. Qigong, wherein "Qi" means body energy and "Gong" denotes cultivation, regulates the energy flow in the body. The Qigong technique comprises a package of deep breathing training, gentle and rhythmic movement, and muscle-strengthening exercises that heal the body to activate one's internal soul energy. It has demonstrated its efficacy by inducing relaxation, building up stamina, strengthening immunity, appreciating muscle conditioning, and minimizing anxiety and depression. Furthermore, it has been beneficial in improving awareness of joint and movement senses. Specifically, Qigong brings healing by regulating energy flow in the whole-body systems. Moreover, it has exhibited a variety of regenerating effects by inducing emotional and mental relaxation. In today's world, Qigong exercises are being used for treating musculoskeletal disorders that are work- and stress-related by nature. Qigong is practiced globally as deep breathing exercises, and meditation is practiced for peace of mind and spirituality, whereas vigorous practice includes martial arts.

Effects of Plyometric Training on the Agility, Speed, and Explosive Power of Male Collegiate Badminton Players.

Background: Plyometric training involves dynamic activities such as hopping, jumping, skipping, and bounding, and is used to improve dynamic muscle performance. The study aims to determine the effects of a 3-week plyometric training program on the explosive strength (standing broad jump [SBJ]), speed (30-meter sprint), and agility (t-test) of badminton players. Methods: The study recruited 102 eligible subjects who were randomly divided into two groups (51 per group). Both groups were initially tested for agility, speed, and strength. Thereafter, the experimental group underwent the plyometric exercise program twice per week for 3 weeks with a 2-day recovery period in between sessions. During the 3 weeks, the control group continued its routine exercise without plyometric training. After 3 weeks, the study tested both groups for agility, speed, and strength. Results: The agility of the experimental group after plyometric training (pre = 10.51±0.35 vs. post = 9.74±0.39 s) was significantly improved [t (100) = 9.941, p < 0.001] compared with the control group (10.65±0.29 vs. 10.53±0.33 s). Performance in terms of speed was significantly increased [t (100) = 4.675, p < 0.001] for the experimental group (pre = 4.58±0.35 vs. post = 4.06±0.45 s) compared with the control group (pre = 4.62±0.29 vs. post = 4.47±0.34 s). The experimental group (pre = 181.17±6.05 vs. post = 178.30±5.97 s) exhibited a substantial improvement [t (100) = 4.95, p < 0.001] in terms of explosive power compared with that of the control group (pre = 183.02±3.89 vs. post = 183.88±3.91 s). Conclusion: The findings emphasize the benefits of plyometric training in increasing the performance level required during movements in badminton. Plyometrics can help badminton players enhance their agility, speed, and explosive power.

Exercise Therapy and Electrotherapy as an Intervention for Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Primary Dysmenorrhea (PD) is characterized by painful cramps before or during menstruation. It is generally treated with nonpharmacological methods. However, with the advancement of research and the passage of time, physiotherapy plays an increasingly important role in treating patients with PD. Electrotherapy and exercise therapy are conservative methods to treat PD. Alternative methods to minimize reliance on medicinal-based treatments are the need of the hour. This review aims to determine the efficacy of exercise-based therapies and electrotherapy modalities in treating PD. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards have been used in the present systematic review and meta-analysis. Cochrane, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched to facilitate the same. The articles from 2011 to 2021 were included in this review. The quality of the review was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The visual analog scale was taken as a measure of pain intensity in the meta-analysis, and other outcomes have been included in the systematic review discussed. A total of 15 publications have been included, with a meta-analysis of 7. All included studies were of high quality (PEDro ≥ 5), and demonstrated the efficacy of exercise-based therapies and electrotherapy modalities in treating pain in females with PD. This review aims to check the impact of exercise and electrotherapy in females suffering from PD.

Effect of blood flow restriction training on pressure pain threshold and hand function among adults with persistent neck pain: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Persistent neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that affects the quality of life and functional abilities of individuals. Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) is a novel therapeutic approach that involves restricting blood flow to exercising muscles to enhance strength and function. However, limited research has been conducted on the effects of BFRT on pressure pain threshold and hand function in adults with persistent neck pain. This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the potential benefits of BFRT as a treatment intervention for this population. Methods: This study will be a prospective 1:1 allocation, parallel group active controlled trail conducted at Physiotherapy Department, Galgotias University. The trial was prospectively registered with the Clinical Trial Registry India CTRI/2023/06/053439. Informed consent will be obtained from all the participants who are eligible to be included in the study. A total of 110 patients with persistent neck pain will be randomly allocated into two groups. The BFRT group will receive supervised training sessions three times a week for eight weeks, performing low-load resistance exercises with blood flow restriction applied using personalized cuff pressure. The control group will receive standard care for neck pain, which may include general advice, manual therapy, and/or home exercises without BFRT. The primary outcome measures will be the pressure pain threshold, assessed using a pressure Algometer, and hand function, evaluated using standardized tests such as Hand Grip Strength and Purdue Peg board Test. Results: The data obtained will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, and the significance level will be set at p<0.05. Conclusion: This trial will contribute valuable contribution highlighting the potential benefits of BFR training in improving pressure pain threshold and hand function in adults with persistent neck pain.

Physical Activity for Health and Fitness: Past, Present and Future.

It's a saying "The early we start, the early we attain good health". Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely absence of disease Fitness is an ability to execute daily functional activities with optimal performance, endurance, and strength to manage minimalist of disease, fatigue, stress and reduced sedentary behavior. In the modern era with advancement in technology, erosion of physical activity has drastically led to retardation in health and fitness. Hoods of luxurious and competition among students for scores/grades and professionals for promotions/incentives/benefits have deviated people from concentrating towards their health and putting it secondary. In 2016, across the globe, prevalence of physical inactivity was estimated at 27.5%, among adult population. To support further, in June 2018, WHO reported, 1 in five adults, and 4 of five adolescents to pose reduced physical activity. In the current ongoing pandemic era this scenario has been further negatively impacting the society to suffer from psychosocial, financial and economic loss, contributing to lack of physical activity. Health benefits of physical activity are not limited only to improved cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, bone and cardiometabolic health, and positive effects on weight status, but it also boosts mental health and social health. Acknowledging the significance and urgency of decreasing insufficient physical activity globally, WHO endorsed a Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA) at the World Health Assembly in 2018, wherein the member countries agreed to reach a new target of 15% relative reduction in insufficient physical activity among adolescents by 2030.

Borderline microscopic organism and lockdown impacted across the borders-global shakers.

Viruses are the potential cause of several diseases including novel corona virus-19, flu, small pox, chicken pox, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, severe acute respiratory syndrome etc. The objectives of this review article are to summarize the reasons behind the epidemics caused by several emerging viruses and bacteria, how to control the infection and preventive strategies. We have explained the causes of epidemics along with their preventive measures, the impact of lockdown on the health of people and the economy of a country. Several reports have revealed the transmission of infection during epidemic from the contact of an infected person to the public that can be prevented by implementing the lockdown by the government of a country. Though lockdown has been considered as one of the significant parameters to control the diseases, however, it has some negative consequences on the health of people as they can be more prone to other ailments like obesity, diabetes, cardiac problems etc. and drastic decline in the economy of a country. Therefore, the transmission of diseases can be prevented by warning the people about the severity of diseases, avoiding their public transportation, keeping themselves isolated, strictly following the guidelines of lockdown and encouraging regular exercise.

Prussian blue nanocubes/carbon nanospheres heterostructure composite for biosensing of metformin.

This paper reports the fabrication of highly sensitive metformin sensor based on Prussian blue (PB) nanocubes/carbon nanosphere (CNS) heterostructures composed of a perfect cube and spherical composite on a fluorine-doped tin oxide surface. Due to the excellent biocompatibility of PB nanocubes the PB/CNS based Mf sensor exhibited a wide linear range of 0.001-10 mM with a response duration of less than 5 s and a detection limit (based on signal to noise ratio) of 0.1 µM.

Detection of alprazolam with a lab on paper economical device integrated with urchin like Ag@ Pd shell nano-hybrids.

We present results of the studies relating to fabrication of a microfluidic biosensor chip based on urchin like Ag@ Pd shell nano-hybrids that is capable of sensing alprazolam through electrochemical detection. Using this chip we demonstrate, with high reliability and in a time efficient manner, the detection of alprazolam present in buffer solutions at clinically relevant concentrations. Methylene blue (MB) was also doped as redox transition substance for sensing alprazolam. Nano-hybrids modified EµPAD showed wide linear range 1-300ng/ml and low detection limit of 0.025ng/l. Low detection limit can further enhance its suitability for forensic application. Nano-hybrids modified EµPAD was also employed for determination of drug in real samples such as human urine. Reported facile lab paper approach integrated with urchin like Ag@ Pd shell nano-hybrids could be well applied for the determination of serum metabolites.

Point of care with micro fluidic paper based device integrated with nano zeolite-graphene oxide nanoflakes for electrochemical sensing of ketamine.

The present study was aimed to develop an ultrasensitive technique for electroanalysis of ketamine; a date rape drug. It involved the fabrication of nano-hybrid based electrochemical micro fluidic paper-based analytical device (EµPADs) for electrochemical sensing of ketamine. A paper chip was developed using zeolites nanoflakes and graphene-oxide nanocrystals (Zeo-GO). EµPAD offers many advantages such as facile approach, economical and potential for commercialization. Nanocrystal modified EµPAD showed wide linear range 0.001-5nM/mL and a very low detection limit of 0.001nM/mL. The developed sensor was tested in real time samples like alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and found good correlation (99%). The hyphenation of EµPAD integrated with nanocrystalline Zeo-GO for detection of ketamine has immense prospective for field-testing platforms. An extensive development could be made for industrial translation of this fabricated device.

An enzyme free Vitamin C augmented sensing with different ZnO morphologies on SnO2/F transparent glass electrode: A comparative study.

Three types of Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures viz. ZnO nanocrystals (ZnONCs), ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and ZnO nanobelts (ZnONBs) were synthesized and characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR and SEM. A comparison of signal amplification by these ZnO nanostructures as judged by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV) revealed that ZnONCs are better sensing interface for electrochemical detection. When these ZnO nanostructure were compared electrochemically for sensing Vitamin C, ZnONC's sensor outperformed the ZnONP and ZnONB sensor and previously reported sensors. The ZnONCs/MB/FTO electrode showed a wide linear sensing range (0.001µM to 4000µM), low detection limit (0.0001µM), a small response time (5s) and a storage stability of 6months. To the best of our knowledge, this elevated sensitivity and remarkable stability for electrochemical Vitamin C detection using ZnONC's have not been reported so far.

Hierarchical electrodeposition of methylene blue on ZnO nanocrystals thin films layered on SnO2/F electrode for in vitro sensing of anti-thalassemic drug.

Zinc oxide nanocrystals-methylene blue nanocomposites were developed by electrodeposition of methylene blue onto the thin films of zinc oxide nanocrystals deposited onto SnO2/F coated glass substrates for in vitro sensing of anti-thalassemic drug i.e. deferiprone. Detailed morphological, electrochemical, structural and optical characterizations of ZnONC-MB/FTO electrode were done using XRD, SEM, EIS, FTIR, LSV, and CV and show quick response time (within 5 s), linearity as 1 × 10(-3) to 10(3) µM and shelf life of about 10 weeks under refrigerated conditions. Attempts have been made to utilize this electrode for estimation of deferiprone in urine samples. The developed sensor exhibited high reproducibility and good storage stability.

Impedimetric genosensor for ultratrace detection of hepatitis B virus DNA in patient samples assisted by zeolites and MWCNT nano-composites.

Nanocrystals of zeolites (Nanocrys Zeo) and Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) based diagnostic genosensor was employed for detection of polymerase chain (PCR) amplified HBVDNA in blood of hepatitis B patients. The ssDNA-nanocomposite modified electrode was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The hybridization between ss DNA probe and target ss DNA was detected by reduction in current, generated by interaction of methylene blue (MB) with free guanine (3'G) of ssDNA. Nanocrys zeo were deposited on the Fluorine doped tin oxide glass electrode (FTO) by drop-casting method for better immobilization of ss DNA while MWCNTs are incorporated into the zeolite-assembly to enhance the electro-conductivity of the present genosensor. The ssDNA-nanocomposite modified FTO electrode exhibited optimum current within 5s, at pH 5.6, and incubation temperature of 45°C. The value of charge transfer resistance (Rct) was linear with the number of copies of target DNA between 150 and 10(6) copies/ml. The limit of detection (LOD) of the sensor was 50 copies/ml. Within and between batches coefficients of variation (CV) were 2.5% and 3.2% respectively. Results obtained with our genosensor were also correlated with those by RT-PCR and r(2) value found with good accuracy of 97%. The electrode was reused by dipping it into 0.1M NaOH for 3min and lost 50% of its initial activity in 4 weeks. Furthermore the technique employed for detection of HBV is EIS, which is convenient and required less analysis time.

Nanocrystals of zeolite act as enhanced sensing interface for biosensing of leviteracetum.

In present work, nanocrystals of zeolites were employed as sensing interface for augmented electrochemical sensing of antiepileptic drug, that is, leviteracetum (LEV). Electrochemical sensing method was developed by depositing nanocrystals of zeolites and horseradish peroxidase (nanocrys zeolites-HRP) onto indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass surface for LEV detection. Various stages of biosensor fabrication were characterized by Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The fabricated nanocrys zeolites-HRP-modified sensor exhibited wide linear range (10-500 µM) and a low detection limit of 0.01 µM. The biosensor also showed a short response time (within 2 s). In addition, the biosensor exhibited high reproducibility, good storage stability, and anti-interference ability. The applicability of the nanocrys zeolites-HRP-modified sensor is to determine LEV level in spiked serum samples.

Electrochemical impediometric detection of anti-HIV drug taking gold nanorods as a sensing interface.

In present work, gold nanorods were used for amplification of electrochemical sensing of anti-HIV replication drug i.e. deferiprone. Gold nanorods (nano Au) deposited onto pencil graphite electrode (PGE) has been utilized for covalent immobilization of horse radish peroxidase (HRP), via glutaraldehyde (Glu), for deferiprone detection using impedimetric technique. Gold nanorods (nano Au) prepared were characterized by TEM and XRD. The resulting nano Au sensor exhibited a good response to deferiprone with a wide linear range (0.005-1000µM) and a low detection limit 0.005µM. The biosensor also showed a short response time (within 15s). In addition, the biosensor exhibited high reproducibility, good storage stability and anti-interference ability. The applicability of the nano Au sensor is to determine deferiprone level in spiked urine and serum samples.