Physical activity and mental well-being during COVID-19 pandemic

The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in most nations deciding upon self-isolation and social distancing policies for their citizens to control the pandemic and reduce hospital admission. This review aimed at evaluating the effect of physical activity on mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to augmented levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 that led to cardiovascular and neurological disorders associated with highly inflammatory effects of viral infection affecting the brain tissues leading to damage of the nervous system and resulting in cognition dysfunction, insulin sensitivity reduction, and behavioral impairments. Anxiety and depression may lead to negative effects on various quality of life domains, such as being physically inactive. Regular physical activities may reduce inflammatory responses, improve ACE-2 responses, and improve mental well-being during self-isolation and social distancing policies related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further studies should be conducted to assess the different intensities of physical activities on cardiovascular function, and mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.     

Photoelectrochemical Bisphenol S Sensor Based on ZnO‐Nanoroads Modified by Molecularly Imprinted Polypyrrole

Molecularly imprinted polymers are important tools for the design of sensors and other molecular recognition based analytical systems. In this paper the development of a photoelectrochemical sensor for selective bisphenol determination is reported. The sensor is based on a glass/ZnO/MIP‐Ppy structure consisting of glass modified by a ZnO layer (glass/ZnO), which is functionalized by molecularly imprinted conducting polymer polypyrrole (MIP‐Ppy). The sensitivity of the sensor to bisphenol is in the range of 0.7–12.5 µm . Selectivity tests to other bisphenolic compounds are performed. Some aspects of a photoinduced response mechanism in glass/ZnO/MIP‐Ppy nanostructures are predicted and discussed.     

Diagnosis and Management of Critical Congenital Heart Diseases in the Newborn

Congenital heart disease (CHD) has been one of the most important contributors to neonatal mortality in the western world for the past 2 decades. With improvement in basic neonatal medical care in most parts of our country, the traditional contributors to neonatal mortality such as birth asphyxia and infections have reduced in numbers. This has hence thrust greater focus on CHD. Facilities with capability to diagnose and intervene on neonates with critical CHD are available in most states. Refinements in surgical techniques and advances in post-operative care have ensured that most neonates with critical CHD can undergo surgical or interventional procedures with very low mortality and can be expected to survive to adulthood with a reasonable quality of life. Unrecognized critical CHD could however result in death in the neonatal period. Focus has hence shifted towards sensitizing pediatricians about timely recognition of neonates with CHD. In this article, authors discuss the presentation and initial stabilization of neonates with CHD and attempt to provide practical solutions which can aid early diagnosis of CHD in the Indian scenario.