ABSTRACT
Electrochemical biosensors are analytical devices that hold a current across the surface of an electrode on which biological receptors are immobilized. These devices enable the conversion of physio-biochemical reactions by biological molecules into electron movements, so the output can be observed as the flow of charge across the electrode. These biosensing platforms detect changes in the reactive and resistive properties of the electrode surface when an alternating current (AC) or voltage is applied to output signals. Impedance-based electrochemical biosensors have advantages compared with other biosensors, such as high sensitivity, low cost, and ease of operation. In addition to uses as miniature detection tools, biosensors and microfluidics play vital roles in nano-diagnostics. Many sensors have been developed at the nanoscale by exploiting the greater conductivity across the electrodes and improved specificity for biorecognition element-receptor binding in biosensing devices. Several of these sensors have been assessed in trials and emerged as clinical products for detecting and diagnosing diseases, bacteria, viruses, deficiencies, and biofluid malfunctions in the human body. This review summarizes advances in impedance-based biosensors and their working principles and classifications, as well as providing relevant illustrations by focusing on the essential biorecognition elements, receptors, and target molecules during diagnosis. Copyright © 2022 The Authors
ABSTRACT
Background: Amid this escalating pandemic crisis, adequate awareness about spread, control and prevention of COVID 19 is of utmost importance. As there is an emerging evidence on the presence of viable viral particles in the secretions and excreta of patients, untreated sewage, surfaces, it has become indispensable concern for the health care providers to be aware about the WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) risks and practices. Hand hygiene is the leading measure for reducing healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) and preventing the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices of hand hygiene among housekeeping staff, technicians and attendants working in COVID-19 tertiary health care Centre. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted for the then present staff in JK hospital, COVID centre, Bhopal in the month of July, 2020. A standard form for recording the data was made. Housekeeping staff and attendants were involved from all the clinical departments. The tools for the data collection were: questionnaires including multiple choices, yes/no answers. A prior orientation was provided to the respondents regarding how to fill the questionnaire. The questions were verbally asked by the researcher and the responses were sought. Result: A total of 83 health care workers participated in the study. Amongst the total participants, 37.34% were males and 65.65% were females. Most of the participants were in the age group of 18-39 years, 69.88% of them had gained knowledge about infection control in COVID-19 through hospital, 74.70% of them had received training about hand hygiene in past 6 months. Comparing the pre and post training responses, it was observed that the knowledge component significantly increased on post training evaluation regarding correct steps of hand hygiene (90.31% from 55.01%). There was remarkable increment from 55.16% to 95.54% in the practice element of hand hygiene on post training evaluation for all the five moments. Women showed 42% improvement in their knowledge, attitude and practice of hand hygiene after training in comparison to men who did not show a significant habit change. Conclusion: Our study portrays moderate level of knowledge regarding many aspects of hand hygiene among health care workers. Education plays an important role in overcoming these barriers and makes it easy to incorporate changes in hand hygiene habits of healthcare workers. Middle aged workers show more sense of responsibility towards habit change as compared to the young.
ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 has been affecting mankind round the globe. Coinfection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has implications beyond morbidity at the individual level and can lead to unintended TB exposure to others. The present study was conducted to better understand the implication of TB and COVID-19 co-infection in Cancer patients. Methods: The study was conducted in the department of MIcrobiology, Tata Memeorial Hospital, Mumbai. Records of all cancer patients tested for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis using Genexpert and /or MGIT during March 2020 to October 2020 in the institute were analysed.We determined if these patients were also tested for SARS CORONAVIRUS 2 during the course of their treatment. If postive for COVID 19, the outcome of the disease was analysed and various demo- graphic paramateres were compared. Results: A total of 1830 samples were analysed for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) (886 - MGIT & 944 - Genexpert) between March 2020 to October 2020. Of these 171 detected postive for MTB on Genexpert & 75 Detected positive in MGIT. Majority of the sample types were Respiratory samples 121 (39 - MGIT & 82 - GENEXPERT) and pus/ tissue 120 (31 - MGIT & 89 - genex-pert). Of the patients diagnosed with TB, 57 patients were also tested for COVID 19 virus using RTPCR test. 03 among them tested positive for the SARS COVID 19 virus and results of 54 came back negative. [Formula presented] Conclusions: co-infections with TB must always be suspected in addi- tion to COVID-19 in current scenario in patients with RTI with non- specific clinical features and unexplained or prolonged clinical course and utmost consideration should be given to all above concerns impli- cated.
ABSTRACT
The Education system in India underwent a major change due to the sudden lockdown announced by the Government in view of COVID - 19 pandemic. Both teachers and students had to shift to online mode in a very short time period. The present study analysis the positive and negative aspect of this online mode of education and measures adopted by teachers to maintain the flow of education along with attendance. The survey was conducted at JSS Academy of Technical Education, Noida. More than 100 teachers and students participated in the survey conducted. Also experienced faculty came up with suggestions and ideas to improve the online mode of education in view of such pandemic situations. Two teachers who were also teaching kids at an NGO school running in the campus premises shared their view on what efforts they took to let education reach the kids at the NGO as digital divide was the main problem there. Such findings will help in designing a future teaching model to cope with pandemic situations and not let education suffer.
ABSTRACT
The impact of COVID-19 disease on health and economy has been global, and the magnitude of devastation is unparalleled in modern history. Any potential course of action to manage this complex disease requires the systematic and efficient analysis of data that can delineate the underlying pathogenesis. We have developed a mathematical model of disease progression to predict the clinical outcome, utilizing a set of causal factors known to contribute to COVID-19 pathology such as age, comorbidities, and certain viral and immunological parameters. Viral load and selected indicators of a dysfunctional immune response, such as cytokines IL-6 and IFNα which contribute to the cytokine storm and fever, parameters of inflammation D-Dimer and Ferritin, aberrations in lymphocyte number, lymphopenia, and neutralizing antibodies were included for the analysis. The model provides a framework to unravel the multi-factorial complexities of the immune response manifested in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. Further, this model can be valuable to predict clinical outcome at an individual level, and to develop strategies for allocating appropriate resources to manage severe cases at a population level.
ABSTRACT
Background: The blue light emitted from the screens of smartphones, tablets, and laptops (short wavelengths enriched devices) is known to suppress/delays endogenous circadian melatonin release. This is can lead to increase in evening alertness, sleep latency, and timing of rapid eye movement sleep. Aims and Objectives: This study aims (1) to assess the effect of screen time and naps on sleep of the students and (2) to study the sleep problems among students and asses the student’s perspectives about the online classes during lockdown period. Materials and Methods: The study was by providing questionnaire online to the 1st year MBBS students. The information about naps and screen time of students during college days and lockdown period, sleep problems faced during lockdown period, and student’s perception about online classes was also recorded. Results: A total of 760 students enrolled in the study. Six hundred and fifty-three (85.9%) were taking nap during lockdown period. Four hundred and thirty (56.6%) reported to have faced sleep problems during lockdown period. Six hundred and fifty-five (86.2%) preferred classes in lecture theatre as better method of teaching as compared to online classes. Four hundred and eight students reported that the screen time has increased during lockdown due using electronic gazettes for entertainment and attending online classes. The screen time increased and higher percentage of students were taking naps during lockdown. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the time spent by students in front of screen has increased nowadays which could have adverse effect on sleep health. To avoid negative impact of naps on nocturnal sleep, the naps must be restricted in terms of duration and frequency.