ABSTRACT
To stop the spread of COVID-19 in this outbreak, diagnostic testing is essential. Quick diagnostic tests must be employed in this pandemic, which is brought on by the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 virus, to successfully treat and manage COVID-19. There are several problems with the present RT-PCR system that the lateral flow assay (LFA), a kind of clinically sensitive diagnostic test, may be able to fix, especially in low-and middle-income nations. Gold nanoparticle-(AuNP-LFA) is a practical method for detecting COVID-19 in basic hospitals and laboratories, particularly in emergency situations where many samples must be quickly examined. Safe, accurate, and non-toxic diagnostic tests must be employed during the pandemic, to successfully treat and manage COVID-19. Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid monoclonal antibody was employed to detect COVID-19 antigens in the presence of patients to establish a fast LFA for COVID-19. Synthesis of colloidal gold particles and antibody colloidal gold conjugates was evaluated by using UV/Vis spectroscopy. A capture line made of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody was coated on nitrocellulose membrane. To create the control line, goat anti-mouse IgG monoclonal antibody was coated. On a polystyrene backing board, the immunochromatographic strip was constructed in the ideal order. Using ELISA as the standard procedure, the strips' sensitivity and specificity were assessed. The results' stability and repeatability were evaluated over a 9-month period. Colloidal gold nanoparticle-based LFAs created in this study can be employed for quicker and more accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2. © 2023 Singh, et al.
ABSTRACT
Background: Mental health problems significantly increased worldwide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. At the early stage of the outbreak, the government of Madhya Pradesh imposed lockdown and quarantine approaches to prevent the spread of the virus, which impacted people's daily life and health. The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected people's economic status, healthcare facilities and other lifestyle factors in Madhya Pradesh. Aim(s): The aim of the study to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among the population of Madhya Pradesh. Methods and Materials: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 500 individuals of central India, aged between 15 and 65 years from the duration of 15 April to 10 May 2020. After obtaining electronic consent, thesurvey was conducted assessing individual's sociodemographic profiles and psychometric measures. Result(s): The prevalence of loneliness, depression, anxiety and sleep disturbance was estimated at 71% (mild: 32%, moderate: 29%, severe: 10%), 38% (mild: 24%, moderate: 11%, severe: 3%), 64% (mild: 30%, moderate: 17%, severe: 17%) and 73% (mild: 50%, moderate: 18%, severe: 5%), respectively. Conclusion(s): A large portion of respondents reported mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in Madhya Pradesh. The present study suggests longitudinal assessments of mental health among Madhya Pradesh people to determine the gravity of the problem during and after the pandemic. Appropriate supportive programmes and interventional approaches would address mental health problems in Madhya Pradesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. Copyright © 2022, Dr Yashwant Research Labs Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved.