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Objective To explore the dynamic changes of anti-coronavirus antibodies in medical staff of intensive care unit after three doses of novel coronavirus inactivated vaccine, and to dynamically evaluate their immune status. Methods A total of 30 medical staff in intensive care unit who received three doses of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in this hospital from November 2020 to November 2021 were selected as the research objects. Venous blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after inoculation of novel coronavirus vaccine to detect the titer of anti-novel, coronavirus antibody immunoglobulin G, lymphocyte subsets and cytokines, and the changes were analyzed. Results Anti-coronavirus antibodies were positive in 30 medical staff one month after injection of three doses of inactivated coronavirus vaccine, and the titer increased significantly in the first month, with statistically significant difference (P＜0. 05). In the first month, the anti-neo-coronavirus antibody reached a peak and then gradually decreased. In the 12th month, the anti-neo-coronavirus antibody was still higher than that in the 0 th month, and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0. 05). There was no significant difference in lymphocyte subsets at different time points (P＞0. 05). After inoculation with the novel coronavirus inactivated vaccine, interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-10, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α all showed inverted U-shaped changes, IL-6 showed U-shaped changes, and IL-4 showed fluctuating changes. Conclusion The three-dose inactivated vaccine can produce a higher level of antibody and maintain a high titer for at least six months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Li Luo,1 Xi-Jiao Liu,2 Dong-Ling Chen,1 Xiao-Ya Deng,1 Yong-Hong Pan,1 Sheng Li1 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shapingba Hospital affiliated to Chongqing University (Shapingba District People’s Hospital of Chongqing), Chongqing, Shapingba District, 400040, People’s Republic of China; 2Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (Bishan Hospital of Chongqing), Chongqing, Bishan District, 402760, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Sheng Li, Email linwo3696347@163.comObjective: This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine rehabilitation treatment during the recovery period of COVID-19, providing a scientific basis for developing more effective rehabilitation protocols.Methods: The study included 120 COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) recovery patients treated at our hospital from November 2021 to April 2022. After registration, patients were randomly divided into two groups, namely the study group and the control group. The control group received conventional rehabilitation treatment, while the study group underwent integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine rehabilitation treatment, with 60 cases in each group. The clinical observation indicators in this study include the results of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), respiratory and circulatory parameters, pulmonary function, changes in respiratory muscle strength, and quality of life in both groups of patients.Results: The 6MWT distance increased significantly in both groups, with the study group showing a larger improvement (P < 0.05). SpO2 and PaO2 values improved significantly in both groups, with greater increases in the study group (P < 0.05). Lung function parameters (FEV1 and FEV1/FVC) improved significantly in the study group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Diaphragmatic thickness and mobility were also significantly higher in the study group (P < 0.05). The SF-36 quality of life scores were significantly better in the study group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine rehabilitation treatment has achieved significant efficacy during the recovery period of COVID-19. The complementary use of traditional Chinese medicine’s differential diagnosis and treatment and modern medical approaches from Western medicine provides patients with comprehensive and personalized rehabilitation services, offering new ideas and methods to improve the quality of patient recovery.Keywords: COVID-19, novel coronavirus, recovery period, integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine rehabilitation treatment, efficacy

Juan Zhang, Juan Wu, Hongbin Zhang, Jie Li, Hezhou Li Department of Ultrasound, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Hezhou Li, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 7 Kangfuqian Street, Erqi District, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, Email 15517560603@163.comPurpose: To investigate whether fetal prenatal ultrasound, fetal growth rate, and pregnancy outcome statistically differ between women infected with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in mid-pregnancy and an uninfected control group.Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL), and z-scores for each among 46 pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 in mid-pregnancy between December 01, 2022 and June 31, 2023 was conducted. A control group included 92 pregnant women negative for COVID-19 during the same period and was also analyzed. To examine fetal growth, rate of increase in BPD, HC, AC, FL, and estimated fetal weight (EFW) between second and third trimester scans were analyzed. In addition, pregnancy outcome, maternal comorbidities, and neonatal prognosis were assessed.Results: The occurrence of gestational diabetes differed significantly between groups, but the fetal growth rate and EFW did not. Similarly, pregnancy outcomes and neonatal prognoses did not differ significantly between groups.Conclusion: Gestational diabetes was a complication that differed between patients with and without COVID-19 in this study. COVID-19 in pregnant women did not affect fetal development. Therefore, these preliminary data suggest that increased fetal monitoring is not necessary for women infected with COVID-19 during the second trimester, and these women should be reassured of the low risk of adverse fetal outcomes.Keywords: novel coronavirus, pregnant women, prenatal fetal growth, pregnancy outcome, ultrasound imaging

ObjectiveTo analyze the prevalence and genetic variations of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Baiyin city, Gansu province in 2023, and provide scientific basis for epidemic prevention and control and vaccine development. MethodsA total of 200 nasal/oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from COVID-19 cases who visited medical institutions, were hospitalized, or under monitoring in Baiyin city, Gansu province from January to September 2023. Next-generation sequencing technology was used for whole-genome sequencing. MGI metargetCOVID software was used for sequence assembly analysis and Pangolin platform for typing. FREEBAYES was used to detect mutation sites, and annotation was performed based on NIRVANA. MAFFT software was used for multiple sequence alignment, and IQTREE was used to construct the phylogenetic tree. GGTREE and GGTREEEXTRA software were used for visualization analysis of the phylogenetic tree and related clinical information. ResultsFrom January to September 2023, all detected SARS-CoV-2 in Baiyin city were Omicron variants, with BA.5.2 (32 cases, 100.00%) in the first quarter (January-March), mainly XBB (56 cases, 62.92%) and FL (20 cases, 22.47%) families in the second quarter (April-June), and mainly dominated by EG.5.1.1 (52 cases, 65.82%) in the third quarter (July-September). Forty-two mutation sites were significantly enriched in moderate cases, including 25 mutations in the ORF1ab gene, 9 mutations in the S gene, 3 mutations each in the ORF3a and ORF8 genes, and 2 mutations in the N gene. ConclusionThe SARS-CoV-2 genomes circulating in Baiyin city were in different branches from the Wuhan reference strain and were basically consistent with the Pangolin typing lineages and input time. There were genetic associations between different clinical symptoms, and the association of vaccination and previous infection with the phylogenetic tree was not significant.

Objective To retrospectively explore the prognostic factors of uremic maintenance hemodialysis （MHD） patients with novel COVID-19 infection. Methods A total of 556 MHD patients on regular follow-ups were recruited. Baseline profiles and laboratory tests were recorded prior to contracting COVID-19 infection. Results There were 312 males and 244 females with an age of （52.37 ± 14.81） year and an MHD duration of （61.02 ± 43.90） months. Diabetic kidney disease（DKD） was a primary disease （n = 101, 18.1%） with top three complications of diabetes mellitus （DM）（n = 135, 16.3%）, cardiovascular disease （CVD）（n = 48, 6.6%） and stroke （n = 3, 0.5%）. Hemodialysis （n = 192, 34.5%） and peritoneal dialysis （PD）（n = 364, 65.5%） were performed. DM, hemodialysis, age and serum sodium level were risk factors for mortality after COVID-19 infection. And serum prealbumin level was a protective factor. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that MHD and age were independent risk factors for mortality. Cardiovascular disease, MHD, age and blood glucose level were risk factors for severe pneumonia after COVID-19 infection. And serum albumin level was a protective factor. Conclusion CVD and hyperglycemia are independent risk factors for severe pneumonia while age is an independent risk factor for severe pneumonia and mortality. Generally MHD patients have a higher risk of mortality than PD counterparts.

Goal: Analysis of the results of thrombectomy from the arteries of the lower extremities in patients with COVID-19 against the background of different severity of respiratory failure. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, cohort, comparative study for the period from 05/01/2022 to 20/07/2022 included 305 patients with acute thrombosis of the arteries of the lower extremities against the background of the course of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant). Depending on the type of oxygen support, 3 groups of patients were formed: group 1 (n = 168) – oxygen insufflation through nasal cannulas; group 2 (n = 92) – non-invasive lung ventilation; and group 3 (n = 45) – artificial lung ventilation. Results: Myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke were not detected in the total sample. The highest number of deaths (group 1: 5.3%, n = 9; group 2: 72.8%, n = 67; group 3: 100%, n = 45; p < 0.0001), rethrombosis (group 1 : 18.4%, n = 31; group 2: 69.5%, n = 64; group 3: 91.1%, n = 41; p < 0.0001), and limb amputations (group 1: 9.5%, n = 16; group 2: 56.5%, n = 52; group 3: 91.1%, n = 41; p < 0.0001) was recorded in group 3 (ventilated) patients. Conclusion: In patients infected with COVID-19 and on artificial lung ventilation, a more aggressive course of the disease is noted, expressed in an increase in laboratory parameters (C-reactive protein, ferritin, interleukin-6, and D-dimer) of the degree of pneumonia (CT-4 in overwhelming number) and localization of thrombosis of the arteries of the lower extremities, mainly in the tibial arteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the characteristics of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets in patients with no- vel coronavirus infection. Methods Data were collected from 78 patients with novel coronavirus infection, who underwent T lymphocyte subset testing during hospitalization. A retrospective analysis was performed on the trends of T lymphocyte subsets in the two weeks following the first positive nucleic acid test. Clinical characteristics were compared between the group with a decreased CD4/CD8 ratio and the normal group. Results A total of 84 tests were conducted on 78 patients with novel coronavirus infection, with an average age of (70.81±16.29) years. Among them, 53 (67.95%) were elderly patients, 53 (67.95%) were male, and 22 (28.21%) were unvaccinated against novel coronavirus infection. The median number of days from symptom onset to hospitalization was 5 (IQR: 2.0, 8.5). In the early phase (0-14 days) of novel coronavirus infection, the absolute counts of total lymphocytes, total T lymphocytes, helper T cells, and cytotoxic T cells were all below normal values. The CD4/CD8 ratio was 1.20 (IQR: 0.89, 2.00) in the DO-1 period and 2. 67 (IQR: 1.75, 3.37) in the D8-14 period. Univariate analysis indicated that a decreased CD4/CD8 ratio was associated with the severity of the disease and the timing of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subset testing (P<0.05). Conclusion In patients with novel coronavirus infection, peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets generally show a declining trend. A de- creased CD4/CD8 ratio is associated with the severity of the disease and the timing of lymphocyte testing following the diagnosis of novel coronavirus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews the essential role of mathematical models in understanding and combatting the pandemic of novel coronaviruses, in particular focusing the advance in the use of mathematical models in disease control in Japan. Highlighting the integral role of mathematical models in public health, the article introduces a model that factors in the heterogeneity of infectious contacts, concentrating on the effectiveness of testing and isolation, alongside a model that involves economic losses. The models exhibit how, given such heterogeneity, milder behavioral restrictions can still achieve suppression, rigorous testing and isolation can effectively curb the spread, and containment measures can mitigate economic losses. These models aid in grasping the complicated dynamics of disease transmission and optimizing interventions. The knowledge of population ecology is also considered effective for public health in statistical analysis, organizing concepts using dynamic mathematical models, which lead to policy proposals and deepen understanding. Evolution theory may help the understanding of virulence subject to change. However, effective prevention necessitates not only models but also the practical implementation of efficacious measures. The cooperation of various disciplines is particularly crucial in achieving a balance between health measures, economic interests, and human rights. Moreover, the article acknowledges the limitations of models and underscores the significance of real‐world execution. Overall, the article advocates for a broader outlook to tackle future pandemics and related challenges, underscoring the importance of ongoing academic cooperation and global governance to effectively address emerging infectious diseases and their far‐reaching implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chest CT is used in the COVID-19 diagnosis process as a significant complement to the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) technique. However, it has several drawbacks, including long disinfection and ventilation times, excessive radiation effects, and high costs. While X-ray radiography is more useful for detecting COVID-19, it is insensitive to the early stages of the disease. We have developed inference engines that will turn X-ray machines into powerful diagnostic tools by using deep learning technology to detect COVID-19. We named these engines COV19-CNNet and COV19-ResNet. The former is based on convolutional neural network architecture; the latter is on residual neural network (ResNet) architecture. This research is a retrospective study. The database consists of 210 COVID-19, 350 viral pneumonia, and 350 normal (healthy) chest X-ray (CXR) images that were created using two different data sources. This study was focused on the problem of multi-class classification (COVID-19, viral pneumonia, and normal), which is a rather difficult task for the diagnosis of COVID-19. The classification accuracy levels for COV19-ResNet and COV19-CNNet were 97.61% and 94.28%, respectively. The inference engines were developed from scratch using new and special deep neural networks without pre-trained models, unlike other studies in the field. These powerful diagnostic engines allow for the early detection of COVID-19 as well as distinguish it from viral pneumonia with similar radiological appearances. Thus, they can help in fast recovery at the early stages, prevent the COVID-19 outbreak from spreading, and contribute to reducing pressure on health-care systems worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Muscle weakness is a common symptom after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and affects the ability to perform daily activities in humans during recovery. Low-frequency pulsed magnetic field stimulation at a strength of 1.5 mT and a frequency of 3 300 Hz can enhance the maximal voluntary contraction and strength endurance of human skeletal muscle by inducing and activating classical transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPC1), which produces a series of pathological support effects on muscle tissue. It has not been studied whether this means will improve muscle weakness in patients recovering from COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To select the low-frequency pulsed magnetic field for magnetic stimulation of lower limb muscle groups in patients with COVID-19, in order to observe the effect of this stimulation on the improvement of muscle weakness of lower limb muscle groups in patients with COVID-19 during the recovery period. METHODS: Fourteen patients infected with COVID-19 (Omicron strain) positive for Innovita COVID-19 Ab Test (Colloidal Gold) and accompanied by muscle weakness were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: a test group receiving magnetic field stimulation and a control group receiving sham treatment, respectively. The total duration of the trial was 3 weeks. The test group was given low-frequency pulsed magnetic stimulation of the lower limbs every 48 hours and the control group was given the same intervention procedure as the test group but with sham stimulation. Patients in both groups were not informed whether the magnetic stimulation apparatus was running or not. Nine sessions were performed in both groups and the changes in the maximum voluntary contraction, explosive leg force and strength endurance of the local muscle groups of the lower limbs were subsequently observed in both groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Among the eight local muscle groups collected, seven local muscle groups in the test group showed an increase in the maximum voluntary contraction value after 3 weeks of low-frequency pulsed magnetic field stimulation. In the control group, there were only three muscle groups with improvement in the maximum voluntary contraction. The rate of improvement in the anterior and posterior muscle groups of the left leg in the test group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The longitudinal jump height and peak angular velocity of the knee joint in both groups were improved compared with the pre-test measurement, and the elevation rate of jumping height in the test group was higher than that in the control group. Under the fatigue condition, the decline rates of peak angular velocity of the knee joint and jumping height in the test group decreased significantly, while those in the control group did not change significantly. The above data confirmed that the low-frequency pulsed magnetic field stimulation with the intensity of 1.5 mT and frequency of 3 300 Hz could improve the muscle strength of more local muscle groups in the lower limbs of patients with COVID-19 during the recovery period compared with the human self-healing process, and the whole-body coordination ability and functional status based on explosive leg force of the legs could be significantly improved. Therefore, low-frequency pulsed magnetic field stimulation can be used as an effective, non-exercise rehabilitation tool to improve muscle weakness in the lower limbs of patients with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To explore the clinical characteristics, etiological factors, and clinical-related genetic variant of children with acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) related to the Omicron BF.7.14 novel coronavirus. Methods: Genomic variations were detected through whole exome sequencing. Additionally, we summarized the clinical data to explore the inheritance patterns associated with novel coronavirus-related ANE. Results: This study included four patients (2 males and 2 females) with an average age of 2.78±1.93years. All the patients had prodromal symptoms of Omicron BF.7.14 virus infection, and exhibited symptoms such as altered consciousness, seizures and cognitive/language disturbances. Cranial MRI scans revealed damage to the thalamus, basal ganglia and brainstem. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell counts were nearly normal, but protein level in CSF increased significantly. Genetic analysis revealed a novel truncated variant of CRMP2 gene in one patient who suffered more severe coma score and prognosis and dead in the later stages. All children exhibited a decrease in the absolute count of T lymphocytes, helper T cells, suppressor T cells, and NK cells to varying degrees. Furthermore, levels of cytokines, including IL-1 β, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly elevated in the CSF, especially in patient with truncated variant of CRMP2 gene. Conclusion: The Omicron BF.7.14 type novel coronavirus can lead to ANE, characterized by T cell immunosuppression and a significant increase in cytokine levels in the CSF. The truncated variation of CRMP2 gene may affect the prognosis of ANE by affecting the migration of cerebral T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 sequelae are long-term symptoms of COVID-19. Cardiovascular disease is not only a risk factor for the occurrence of COVID-19 sequelae but also a potential result directly or indirectly caused by COVID-19 infection.

Purpose: The study aims to reveal the bibliometric analysis and trends of 1616 studies published in the fields of "Urology and COVID-19" since the outbreak of the pandemic. Thus, it is aimed to provide researchers with basic information about the statistical distribution of research on these topics. This study aims to reveal the bibliometric analyzes and trends of 1616 studies published in the “Urology and COVID-19” fields since the pandemic broke out. Thus, it was aimed to provide researchers with basic information about the field of research on these subjects, in which countries it was conducted, and in which journals it was mostly published. Materials and Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted on "Urology and COVID-19" for 2020 - 2023 years using the Web of Science Core Collection Database. The results were compared with "Urology" publications of the same period. Trends were also evaluated with different data using free online visualization software (carrot2). Results: A total of 5481 articles cited these studies 13036 times. The most common document type was research article, the most common field was Urology & Nephrology, the most common language was English, the most common journal for the Journal of Urology, the most common publishing country was the United States, and the most common contributing institution was Udice University. Conclusion: This infectious disease, which disrupted the balance of the world, also changed the balance of publications in its favor. Urologists gave more importance to "Urology and COVID-19" research than isolated "Urology" research while fighting against the pandemic.

In the late stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, there's an increasing trend in opportunistic infections, including bacterial and fungal infections. This study discusses the treatment process of two cases of cryptococcal meningitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the importance of laboratory testing for these co-infections and stresses the need for vigilance, early diagnosis, and proactive treatment to improve patient outcomes in the post-pandemic era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the effect of irregular follow-up during normalized prevention and control of novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) epidemic on BK virus (BKV) reactivation and clinical prognosis of kidney transplant recipients. Methods Clinical data of 363 kidney transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into the pre-epidemic follow-up group and during-epidemic follow-up group according to the follow-up time. All patients were followed up for 1 year. The follow-up interval was compared between two groups. The infection of BKV and the correlation between the infection process of BKV and renal graft function were analyzed in two groups. Results A total of 1 790 preson-times were followed up before COVID-19 epidemic and 2680 during COVID-19 epidemic. Compared with the during-epidemic follow-up group, the follow-up intervals within 3, 3-6 and 7-12 months after kidney transplantation were shorter in the pre-epidemic follow-up group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Within 1 year after kidney transplantation, 35 cases (32%) were diagnosed with BKV viruria, 3 cases (3%) of BKV viremia and 1 case (1%) of BKV-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) in the pre-epidemic follow-up group, and 53 (25%), 3 (1%) and 1 (1%) in the during-epidemic follow-up group, with no statistical significance (all P>0.05). In the pre-epidemic follow-up group, the time for the initial diagnosis of BKV viruria was longer and the viral load of the first urinary BKV reactivation was smaller than those in the during-epidemic follow-up group, with statistical significance (both P<0.05). The load of the first urinary BKV reactivation was positively correlated with the peak load of urinary BKV, and the differences between the baseline and serum creatinine levels at 1 and 3 months after BKV reactivation (all P<0.05). Conclusions Irregular follow-up after kidney transplantation may lead to early BKV reactivation and higher detection value of the first viral load of urinary BKV, delay diagnosis and interventions, and lead to poor prognosis. It is urgent to establish a remote follow-up system to meet the follow-up requirements of kidney transplant recipients when public health incidents occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the current study is to identify the level of environmental awareness among members of the Egyptian and Saudi communities; and to test the relationship between the level of awareness among these individuals and adherence to precautionary measures and preventive measures to counter the emerging corona virus . The previous main objective gives rise to a set of the following sub-objectives : Revealing the role of the state in both Egyptian and Saudi societies in spreading environmental awareness among citizens to face the emerging corona virus . Identify the level of compliance with precautionary measures and preventive measures to reduce the spread of the emerging corona virus among members of the Egyptian and Saudi communities . Identify the proposed solutions to reduce the spread of the emerging corona virus among members of the Egyptian and Saudi communities . To achieve these goals, the study relied on the social survey method by sample, in addition to relying on the comparative method, the study also relied on the new environmental model, the risk society theory, the theory of logical action, the theory of planned behavior, and the theory of Health belief as theoretical guidelines for the study, the study used the questionnaire form as the main tool for data collection, and the study was applied to a random sample of ( 453) Egyptian and( 386 ) Saudi families, and after conducting statistical treatments, the study reached several results, the most important of which : The degree of the state's role in spreading environmental awareness among citizens to confront the emerging corona virus among members of the Egyptian and Saudi communities is high. The level of commitment to precautionary measures and preventive measures to reduce the spread of the emerging corona virus among members of the Egyptian and Saudi communities was high . There is a strong correlation between the dimensions of environmental awareness and the level of compliance with the precautionary and preventive measures approved by the state among members of the Egyptian and Saudi communities . The degree of proposed solutions to reduce the spread of the emerging corona virus among members of the Egyptian and Saudi communities was high . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high infection rate and mortality associated with novel coronavirus infections have attracted worldwide attention; however, the impact of the novel coronavirus on patients with a history of renal transplantation has not been investigated thoroughly. This report presents a patient with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia following kidney transplantation. The patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute renal failure upon infection. Following a treatment regimen consisting of discontinued immunosuppressant use and low-dose methylprednisolone-based therapy, the patient successfully recovered and her renal function returned to normal. This report provides a reference for the treatment of similar patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) are transmittable diseases which are caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome human coronavirus (SARS-CoV). This paper describes the identification of coronavirus disease infections and better treatments based on recent technology. The categorization and projection of COVID-19 from the dataset of the most significant Computed tomography (CT) image features. The CT image databases are collected from the online access Kaggle database. The features are extracted by the CT images with the Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) feature extraction techniques. The selected features are then segmented using the Improved Whale Optimization and Moth Flame Optimization (IWOMFO) algorithm. Improved Whale Optimization and Moth Flame Optimization (IWOMFO) algorithm are utilized to calculate the feature selection for image segmentation, which increases the objective function. Accuracy, F1-score, sensitivity, and precision are the various parameters utilized for evaluating performance. The segmented features were classified using Black widow optimization with a faster recurrent neural network (BWOFRCNN) method. The proposed BWOFRCNN classifier achieves a maximum accuracy of about 98.78%, a sensitivity of about 97.58%, and a precision of about 96.95% when compared to other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We conducted a systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions within non-healthcare workplaces and community-level workplace closures and lockdowns on COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, selected mental disorders, and employment outcomes in workers or the general population. Methods: The inclusion criteria included randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies of interventions. The exclusion criteria included modeling studies. Electronic searches were conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, and other databases from January 1, 2020, through May 11, 2021. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. Meta-analysis and sign tests were performed. Results: A total of 60 observational studies met the inclusion criteria. There were 40 studies on COVID-19 outcomes, 15 on anxiety and depression symptoms, and five on unemployment and labor force participation. There was a paucity of studies on physical distancing, physical barriers, and symptom and temperature screening within workplaces. The sign test indicated that lockdown reduced COVID-19 incidence or case growth rate (23 studies, p < 0.001), reproduction number (11 studies, p < 0.001), and COVID-19 mortality or death growth rate (seven studies, p < 0.05) in the general population. Lockdown did not have any effect on anxiety symptoms (pooled standardized mean difference = -0.02, 95% CI: -0.06, 0.02). Lockdown had a small effect on increasing depression symptoms (pooled standardized mean difference = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.21), but publication bias could account for the observed effect. Lockdown increased unemployment (pooled mean difference = 4.48 percentage points, 95% CI: 1.79, 7.17) and decreased labor force participation (pooled mean difference = -2.46 percentage points, 95% CI: -3.16, -1.77). The risk of bias for most of the studies on COVID-19 or employment outcomes was moderate or serious. The risk of bias for the studies on anxiety or depression symptoms was serious or critical. Conclusions: Empiric studies indicated that lockdown reduced the impact of COVID-19, but that it had notable unwanted effects. There is a pronounced paucity of studies on the effect of interventions within still-open workplaces. It is important for countries that implement lockdown in future pandemics to consider strategies to mitigate these unintended consequences. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO registration # CRD42020182660. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective To analyze the dynamics of specific SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in blood donors in Fuzhou area after receiving booster doses of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine and breakthrough infections, and to provide evidence for the timing of the collection of specific immune plasma or convalescent plasma and the subsequent vaccine doses. Methods A total of 109 volunteers who received the first booster dose of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine and 102 volunteers who experienced breakthrough infections were recruited at Fujian Blood Center from October to November 2021. Blood samples were collected at eight time points: 14 (11, 20) days before the booster dose (Time0), 14 (10, 23) days after the booster dose (Time1), 53 (45.5, 61) days after the booster dose (Time2), 88 (78, 101.5) days after the booster dose (Time3), 124 (112.5, 138.5) days after the booster dose (Time4), 158 (146, 174) days after the booster dose (Time5), 194 (179.5, 214) days after the booster dose (Time6) and within one month after the breakthrough infection (Time7). Serum SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were detected using a chemiluminescence immunoassay. The dynamics of antibody levels were analyzed and the effects of age, gender, weight, BMI, blood type and smoking on antibody levels were also analyzed. Results The positive rate of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was 53.2% (58/109) at Time0, 100% (109/109) at Time1, and 95.4% (104/109) at Time6. The antibody levels were significantly higher at Time1 and Time6 than at Time0 (P0.05). The IgG antibody level at Time7 was 2.07 times than that at Time1 (P0.05). The IgG antibody level in breakthrough infection group was significantly higher than that in non-breakthrough infection group (P

RationaleCoronavirus (COVID-19) disproportionately affects people of color (e.g., Black and Latinx individuals) in the U.S., increasing their morbidity and mortality relative to White people. Despite this greater threat to their well-being, the mental health impact of COVID-19 on people of color remains poorly understood. Perseverative cognition (PC; i.e., excessive worry and/or rumination), is a common psychological response to such threats that independently associates with poor mental and physical health.ObjectiveTo examine patterns of PC across race/ethnicity when the COVID-19 pandemic began.MethodsThis study surveyed 6,514 respondents from the NORC AmeriSpeak panel, a probability-based representative national sample of U.S. adults between 3/18/20-4/18/20. We employed traditional statistical analyses and natural language processing of open-ended data to examine pandemic-related worries.ResultsWeighted regression analyses with relevant covariates revealed group differences across specific domains of COVID-related worry. Relative to White respondents, Hispanic/Latino respondents reported more worries about social disarray, meeting basic needs, experiencing economic impacts, obtaining healthcare, and contracting COVID-19. Black respondents reported more worry about economic impacts relative to Whites. Additional group differences in worry emerged in open-ended data: Black respondents perseverated about death from COVID-19, whereas Hispanic/Latino respondents reported concerns about COVID-19 spread, and people refusing to uphold mitigation mandates. In contrast, White respondents expressed worry over compromised immune systems and economic collapse.ConclusionsResults identify significant group differences in COVID-19 related PC, suggesting that people of color faced greater threat to mental well-being at the onset of the pandemic, and may be at greater risk for downstream PC-related physical health consequences.

This paper addresses the dynamics of COVID‐19 using the approach of age‐structured modeling. A particular case of the model is presented by taking into account age‐free parameters. The sub‐model consisting of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is investigated for possible equilibria, and qualitative aspects of the model are rigorously presented. In order to control the spread of the disease, we considered two age‐ and time‐dependent non‐pharmaceutical control measures in the age‐structured model, and an optimal control problem using a general maximum principle of Pontryagin type is achieved. Finally, sample simulations are plotted which support our theoretical work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the search for effective treatments for COVID-19 continues, the high mortality rate among critically ill patients in Intensive Care Units (ICU) presents a profound challenge. This study explores the potential benefits of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a supplementary treatment for severe COVID-19. A total of 110 critically ill COVID-19 patients at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Vulcan Hill Hospital between Feb., 2020, and April, 2020 (Wuhan, China) participated in this observational study. All patients received standard supportive care protocols, with a subset of 81 also receiving TCM as an adjunct treatment. Clinical characteristics during the treatment period and the clinical outcome of each patient were closely monitored and analysed. Our findings indicated that the TCM group exhibited a significantly lower mortality rate compared with the non-TCM group (16 of 81 vs 24 of 29; 0.3 vs 2.3 person/month). In the adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, TCM treatment was associated with improved survival odds (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the analysis also revealed that TCM treatment could partially mitigate inflammatory responses, as evidenced by the reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and contribute to the recovery of multiple organic functions, thereby potentially increasing the survival rate of critically ill COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted not only the daily routines of individuals, but also the procedural approaches of medical and anesthesia experts, encompassing surgical procedures, operating room administration, patient welfare, and healthcare personnel. One of the most susceptible direct contact groups with COVID-19 patients is the operating room staff. The primary objective of this investigation is to conduct a literature review of specific articles pertaining to the requisite precautions during anesthesia administration for patients afflicted with COVID-19. The literature was carried out in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were used to search for English-language articles. All type of articles was included. Keywords were COVID-19, novel coronavirus, 2019- nCoV, coronavirus disease 2019, operating room, theatre, measures, medical staff, health providers, and anesthesia. In this study, we aimed to identify essential information needed by operating room staff, especially anesthesiologists, to manage the entire anesthesia process in COVID-19 patients in a relatively safe manner. We found that necessary points included avoiding the airway and other biologic secretions such as cerebrospinal fluid and blood, using fiber-optic or video laryngoscopy, adequate pre-oxygenation with a well-fitted mask, avoiding awake intubation, selecting a rapid sequence approach, using disposable equipment, delaying elective surgery, and wearing a N95 mask, eye shield, gown, and gloves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ahi Evran Medical Journal is the property of Ahi Evran University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: Covid-19 pandemic has gained a growing trend and affected mental health in several aspects. Physical activity guidelines was strongly associated with a reduced risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes among infected adults. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between physical activity pre COVID–19 pandemic with mental health, depression, and anxiety in COVID-19 patients. Methods: 206 hospitalized patients diagnosed with covid-19 (140 male and 66 female, aged 34.5 ± 12) were selected and completed physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) and hospital anxiety and depression questionnaire (HADS). For physical activity status assessment, a self-completed IPAQ questionnaire was taken and patients were divided into: (1) low active, (2) moderate active and (3) high active groups according to their physical activity experience. One-way ANOVA test was recruited and Tukey post hoc test was taken to assess difference among means. Pearson correlation was used to evaluate the association between physical activity level and mental health status (p < 0.05). Results: The results from this study showed that anxiety and depression was significantly higher in low active patients (p = 0.001) and there was a negative correlation between physical activity level and HADS (p = 0.001). However, patients with high physical activity pre COVID-19 pandemic have a lowest levels of anxiety and depression compare to other groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: It seems that adequate physical activity as a part of a healthy lifestyle may have a beneficial effect on mental health during the current outbreak of covid-19. Therefore, it is suggested that we perform exercise training every day to preconditioning effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The preparation of a VSVΔG*-S pseudovirus carrying the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 and its preliminary application. Materials & methods: 293T cells were transfected with pCAGGS-SARS-2-S and infected with VSVΔG viruses. The VSVΔG*-S pseudovirus was collected by centrifugation. The pseudovirus was used to investigate the neutralization ability of serum from SARS-CoV-2 patients and the ability of peptides to inhibit the virus. Results: A VSVΔG*-S pseudovirus was successfully prepared. Patient serum and peptides could neutralize the pseudovirus infection as determined by measuring the expression of GFP. Conclusion: This pseudovirus system can be used to screen polypeptides and fusion inhibitors and measure neutralizing activity, which will benefit the study of SARS-CoV-2. The virus SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of COVID-19 disease. This virus is harmful and easily spreads between people, so when being worked with in a laboratory, it must be under high-security conditions. Laboratories with this level of safety are not common, so this reduces the ability to study SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we engineered a modified version of the virus, called a pseudovirus, that can be worked with in a lower security laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study suggests remedies for the negative effect of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the lives of children. It aims to determine the extent to which the children’s social lives, behavior, and cultures have been affected by the pandemic and propose appropriate plans and solutions to help them return to the lives they were accustomed to before the pandemic. This study’s problem is linked to the adverse effects on children resulting from preventive measures applied to stop the spread of the virus, including social distancing, closing schools and other facilities, and introducing quarantines. Despite the reality that these measures were aimed at protecting communities, they have affected children's psychological and social health and educational and cultural lives. On the other hand, violence against children has significantly increased, as studies conducted in various countries have concluded. This study is crucial because it draws attention to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on children’s lives, as these children are the future leaders. It concludes that most children worldwide have been affected since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the impact differing based on culture, family, cultural, and economic components. The study’s recommendations attempt to encourage the implementation of plans that match the age groups of children to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic before these children return to everyday life so as not to be shocked when they discover that things have changed for good.

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was reported to have increased depression among university students which was associated with impairments in their campus lives. This study examined changes in depressive states among Japanese university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A secondary data analysis from a factorial randomized controlled trial involving smartphone-based cognitive-behavioral therapy was performed. Six cohorts (N = 1626) underwent an 8-week intervention during the spring or autumn of 2019–2021, with a 9-month follow-up. We evaluated participants’ depressive states weekly using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) during the intervention, with monthly evaluations thereafter. The follow-up periods included Japan’s four states of emergency (SOEs) to control COVID-19. Hypothesizing that SOEs caused a sudden worsening of depressive states, Study 1 compared the cohorts’ PHQ-9 scores, and Study 2 employed time series analysis with a mixed-effects model to estimate identified changes in PHQ-9 scores. Results Although no changes in depressive states were observed in relation to the SOEs, Study 1 identified sudden increases in PHQ-9 scores at the 28-week evaluation point, which corresponded to the beginning of the new academic year for the three autumn cohorts. In contrast, the three spring cohorts did not exhibit similar changes. Study 2 showed that, for all three autumn cohorts (n = 522), the 0.60-point change was significant (95% CI 0.42–0.78; p

Objective: To quantitatively analyze and compare the chest computed tomography (CT) imaging features of patients infected with delta and omicron variants of COVID-19 using artificial intelligence (AI). Method: The clinical data of 294 patients infected with the novel coronavirus delta variant diagnosed at the Fourth Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from February 20, 2022 to April 19, 2022 and 222 patients infected with the omicron variant diagnosed at the People's Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from December 1, 2022 to December 30, 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. CT imaging data were analyzed and divided into delta and omicron groups. Quantitative calculation was performed using deductive predictive pulmonary infection auxiliary diagnostic software, and CT imaging signs and quantitative CT data between groups were compared and analyzed. Results: No statistical significance was noted between the delta and omicron groups in imaging signs, such as ground-glass opacity, ground-glass nodule, cord-like lesion, consolidation, paving stone sign, thickened interlobular septum, and thickened vessels in the lesion. The distribution of lesions along the bronchial vascular bundle was more likely in the omicron than in the delta group. The total lung lesion volume, volume proportion, right middle lobe lesion volume, volume proportion, right inferior lobe lesion volume, and volume proportion in the delta group were higher than those in the omicron group. The proportions of lesions in the delta group in −570 ~ −470 HU, −470 ~ −370 HU, −370 ~ −270 HU, and −270 ~ −170 HU volumes were higher than those in the omicron group. Conclusion: In the early stage of COVID-19, the volume of CT lesions in the patients infected with the delta variant was higher than that in the omicron group, and the distribution of lesions in the omicron group was more likely to have atypical distribution along the bronchial vascular bundle than that in the delta group. The volume and volume proportion of the pneumonia-infected area in patients with COVID-19 were quantitatively evaluated using the AI-assisted diagnosis system for COVID-19 to provide objective reference data for patients' condition assessment.

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the clinical value of chest plain computed tomography (CT) for the initial diagnosis and dynamic changes of early novel coronavirus pneumonia (2019 novel Coronavirus, 2019-nCoV, referred to as new coronavirus pneumonia). Materials and methods: Fifty-two patients with confirmed new coronavirus pneumonia diagnoses and positive chest CT manifestations from November 12, 2022, to January 6, 2023, in the infection department of our hospital were collected. All patients had two chest thin-section CT examinations within 1 month from the onset of the disease and had complete clinical data. Patients were divided into two groups according to their age (≤60 years and >60 years), and the differences in CT performance characteristics between the two groups were compared. The CT review of all patients was also observed. Results: Among the 52 patients, 52 involved the lungs (100%), 24 involved the airways (46.2%), and 21 involved the bloodways (40.4%). Comparison between age groups showed statistically significant differences in lesion location (single/both lungs, airways), tree-in-bud pattern, large morphology, fibrous striae, interstitial changes, and pleural thickening. Among the 52 patients, review CT showed lesion progression in 18 cases (34.6%), which showed an increase in extent in 18 cases (100%), aggravation of solid changes in 7 (38.9), aggravation of GGO in 14 (77.8%), and increase in pleural effusion in 6 (33.3%); review CT showed lesion remission in 18 cases (34.6%), which showed a decrease in extent in 31 (91.2%), 6 (17.6%) with reduced density, 12 (35.3%) with fibrosis, 2 (5.9%) with complete resorption, and 4 (11.8) with reduced pleural effusion. Conclusion: The CT scan of the chest in neocoronary pneumonia has certain characteristics, and for the first time, it mostly showed multiple patchy signs or large patchy ground glass opacity (GGO) with mainly subpleural distribution in the periphery of both lungs, mostly accompanied by "halo sign," "anti-halo sign," and "paving stone sign." The lung is more susceptible to change following treatment. After treatment, the lung lesions change rapidly, with most patients showing absorption and shrinkage, density fading, or fibrosis and a few patients showing increased extent, solidity or aggravation of GGO, and pleural effusion. Chest plain CT helps clinicians in the early diagnosis and dynamic evaluation of neocoronary pneumonia.

Objective The four initial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected pregnant women presenting at term gestation to our institution presented with transaminitis. Three of the four were diagnosed with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IHCP). Growing evidence exists of an associated transaminitis in nonpregnant SARS-CoV-2 patients. However, there are limited data of hepatic involvement of SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy, and no previous studies have assessed the association with IHCP in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

ObjectiveSince 2022, Omicron has been circulating in China as a major variant of the novel coronavirus, but the effects of infection with Omicron variants on pregnant women and newborns are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of Omicron infection during pregnancy and its effect on pregnancy outcomes.MethodsThis study retrospectively analyzed the data of 93 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection and 109 non-infected patients admitted to the isolation ward of Guangdong Maternal and Child Health Hospital from December 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023, and statistically analyzed the clinical features of Omicron variant infection during pregnancy and its impact on pregnancy outcomes. Further effects of underlying diseases on Omicron infection in pregnant women were analyzed.ResultsThe incubation period of COVID-19 infection was 0.99±0.86 days, 94.38% of patients had fever or other respiratory symptoms, the lymphocyte count in the infected group was lower than that in the uninfected group, and the lymphocyte count was further reduced in the patients with pregnancy complications or complications. Compared with the uninfected group, APTT and PT were prolonged, platelet count and fibrinogen were decreased in the infected group, all of which had statistical significance. COVID-19 infection during pregnancy increased the rate of cesarean section compared to uninfected pregnant patients, and COVID-19 infection in gestational diabetes resulted in a 4.19-fold increase in cesarean section rate. There was no statistically significant difference in gestational age between the two groups. The incidence of intrauterine distress, turbidity of amniotic fluid and neonatal respiratory distress were higher in the infection group. No positive cases of neonatal COVID-19 infection have been found.ConclusionThe patients infected with omicron during pregnancy often have febrile respiratory symptoms with lymphocyopenia, but the incidence of severe disease is low. Both Omicron infection and gestational diabetes further increase the incidence of cesarean section, and this study found no evidence of vertical transmission of Omicron.

Objective To analyze the nucleic acid negative conversion time of upper respiratory tract samples of novel coronavirus infected with Omicron mutant, to provide reference for understanding the infection period, of novel coronavirus infected with Omicron mutant. Methods Novel coronavirus infected individuals at an institution in Jingzhou city, Hubei Province from November 1, 2022 to January 10, 2023 were selected as the research object. Age, sex, novel coronavirus vaccination history, influenza vaccination history, onset date in 2022, the positive date of the first nucleic acid test, and the results of nucleic acid test the next day were collected. The onset date or the first nucleic acid positive result was defined as the 0 day, and the negative nucleic acid test for 2 consecutive times (at least 24 hours interval) was defined as nucleic acid negative. Survival analysis was used to calculate the negative time, and Cox proportional hazard regression was used for subgroup comparison. The infected patients in designated hospitals were sequenced and the epidemic strains in Jingzhou were monitored. Results A total of 102 cases of novel coronavirus infection were included in the study, with a sex ratio of 0.96:1，and most of them were over 40 years old (65 cases, 63.73%). All infected patients were vaccinated with 3 doses of inactivated vaccine and 73 cases were vaccinated with 4-valent influenza vaccine from July to August in 2022. The results of gene sequencing of 35 infected patients during the study showed that all of them were infected with OmicronBA.5.2 mutants. Five days after the onset of the infection (or the first positive nucleic acid test), the nucleic acid positive rate was 97%. The median time of nucleic acid negative conversion was 12 days (95%CZ: 12 days to 14 days), and all nucleic acids turned negative after 18 days. There were significant differences in nucleic acid negative conversion time among different sex and age groups (P<0.05). The median time of nucleic acid negative conversion in female and male infected patients was 12 days (95%CZ: 11 days to 14 days) and 13 days (95%CZ: 12 days to 15 days), respectively. The median time of nucleic acid negative conversion in patients under 40 years old was 11 days (95%CI: 10 days to 12 days), and all turned negative after 16 days after onset (or after the first positive nucleic acid test). The median time of nucleic acid negative conversion in patients in patients over 40 years old was 14 days (95%CI:12-14 days), and 18 days later all turned negative. There was no significant difference in nucleic acid negative time between patients with influenza vaccination and those infected with influenza vaccine (P>0.05). Conclusion The median time of nucleic acid negative conversion after novel coronavirus infection with Omicron mutant (or the first positive nucleic acid test) is 12 days, and all turned negative within 18 days. Negative conversion takes longer time for the older male infected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective：To improve the pre-processing laboratory test method for the severe acute respiratory syndome, coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) specimens, and to evaluate its effectiveness. Methods：A total of 90 SARS-CoV-2 negative specimens and 30 SARS-CoV-2 positive specimens were collected. The specimens were divided into traditional group, modified 1 group, and modified 2 group, according to the test method. The specimens in traditional group were inactivated by using the guanidine salts and a 56 ℃, 30 minute water bath, followed by single tube oscillation, specimen de-identification, and single-handed lid opening for testing. The specimens in modified 1 group were inactivated by using the guanidine salts, followed by single tube oscillation, specimen de-identification, and single-handed lid opening for testing. The specimens in modified 2 group were inactivated by using the guanidine salts, followed by batch oscillation in vertical, horizontal, and 180-degree angle, specimen de-identification, and single-handed lid opening for testing. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) method was used to detect the cycle threshold (Ct) values and detection time of the specimens in various groups； Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation of Ct values between various groups； Blank-Altman method was used to perform the consistency test； the detection time of SARS-CoV-2 of the specimens in various groups was recorded. Results：The Ct values of the specimens in modified 1 group were strongly correlated with those in traditional group (P<0. 01), and the correlation coefficient(r)= 0. 975 4(0. 966 2－0. 982 1). The Ct values of the specimens in modified 2 group were strongly correlated with those in traditional group (P<0. 01), r=0. 986 2(0. 980 9－0. 990 0). The inter-group deviation of detecting SARS-CoV-2 negative specimens between modified 1 group and traditional group was 0. 158 2 (－0. 613 7－0. 930 1), and the inter-group deviation of detecting SARS-CoV-2 positive specimens was 0. 117 0(-0. 403 1－0. 637 1), indicating good consistency. The inter-group deviation between modified 2 group and traditional group for detecting SARS-CoV-2 negative specimens was 0. 015 7(-0. 550 4－ 0. 581 8), and for detecting SARS-CoV-2 positive specimens was 0. 022 7(-0. 454 1－0. 499 4), which indicated the good consistency. The detection time of 90 SARS-CoV-2 specimens in modified 1 group was 15 min, while the detection time of 90 SARS-CoV-2 specimens in modified 2 group was 10 min and the detection time of 90 SARS-CoV-2 specimens in traditional group was 45 min. Compared with traditional group, the detection time in modified 1 group was reduced by 67%and the detection time in modified 2 group was reduced by 11% . Conclusion：The modified SARS-CoV-2 specimen testing method shows strong correlation and good consistency with the traditional testing method. It can save the detection time and improve the efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the impact of COVID-19 (or Novel Coronavirus) pandemic on the income and wage of individuals working in tourism and hospitality industry in India. As the tourism and hospitality industry is a labor-intensive industry, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic-induced economic downturn is expected to be particularly severe here. To estimate this impact, I use a large, representative panel survey from India, and employ difference-in-differences method in this study. The estimated decline in total income ranges between 3.12 and 6.39%, and wage fall ranges between 3.21 and 5.98%, for the sample with individuals who are still earning a non-zero income from this industry. Once I include the individuals who have completely lost their livelihood (zero income) due to COVID-19 pandemic in the sample, impact on income is estimated to be a fall of 58.69% and impact on wage is estimated to be a decline of 58.59%. I also discuss the recommendations made by UNWTO to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on tourism and hospitality industry, and map Indian government's policy measures to those recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was reported to have increased depression among university students which was associated with impairments in their campus lives. This study examined changes in depressive states among Japanese university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A secondary data analysis from a factorial randomized controlled trial involving smartphone-based cognitive-behavioral therapy was performed. Six cohorts (N = 1626) underwent an 8-week intervention during the spring or autumn of 2019–2021, with a 9-month follow-up. We evaluated participants' depressive states weekly using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) during the intervention, with monthly evaluations thereafter. The follow-up periods included Japan's four states of emergency (SOEs) to control COVID-19. Hypothesizing that SOEs caused a sudden worsening of depressive states, Study 1 compared the cohorts' PHQ-9 scores, and Study 2 employed time series analysis with a mixed-effects model to estimate identified changes in PHQ-9 scores. Results: Although no changes in depressive states were observed in relation to the SOEs, Study 1 identified sudden increases in PHQ-9 scores at the 28-week evaluation point, which corresponded to the beginning of the new academic year for the three autumn cohorts. In contrast, the three spring cohorts did not exhibit similar changes. Study 2 showed that, for all three autumn cohorts (n = 522), the 0.60-point change was significant (95% CI 0.42–0.78; p <.001) at 28 weeks; that is, when their timeline was interrupted. Conclusions: While the results do not indicate any notable impact of the SOEs, they highlight the influence of the new academic year on university students' mental health during COVID-19. Trial registration UMIN, CTR-000031307. Registered on February 14, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objective of this study was to compare maternal outcomes of women with and without severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections who underwent cesarean births. Study Design This was a matched cohort study of pregnant women who had a cesarean birth between March 15, 2020, and May 20, 2020. Cases included women who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. For every case, two patients who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 were matched by maternal age, gestational age, body mass index, primary or repeat cesarean birth, and whether the procedure was scheduled or unscheduled. We compared rates of adverse postcesarean complications (intraoperative bladder or bowel injury, estimated blood loss more than or equal to 1,000 mL, hemoglobin drop more than 3 g/dL, hematocrit drop more than 10%, need for blood transfusion, need for hysterectomy, maternal intensive care unit admission, postoperative fever, and development of surgical site infection), with the primary outcome being a composite of those outcomes. We also assessed duration of postoperative stay. Fisher's exact tests were performed to compare the primary outcome between both groups. Results Between March and May 2020, 202 women who subsequently underwent cesarean birth were tested for SARS-CoV-2. Of those 202, 43 (21.3%) patients were positive. They were matched to 86 patients who tested negative. There was no significant difference in the rate of composite adverse surgical outcomes between the groups (SARS-CoV-2 infected 27.9%, SARS-CoV-2 uninfected 25.6%; p = 0.833). There was a higher rate of postoperative fevers (20.9 vs. 5.8%; p = 0.015), but that did not result in a longer length of stay (p = 0.302). Conclusion Pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 who underwent a cesarean birth did not have an increased risk of adverse surgical outcomes, other than fever, compared with pregnant women without SARS-CoV-2. Key Points Women with SARS-CoV-2 had more postoperative fevers. Length of stay did not differ based on SARS-CoV-2 status. Composite postoperative outcome did not differ based on SARS-CoV-2 status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This exploratory study aims to assess Africa's lagging position in global health in relation to some healthcare infrastructure before critically examining the situation of Africa in the light of pressing COVID-19 healthcare infrastructural needs in terms of the number of hospital beds, intensive care units beds and ventilators per 100,000 people. A comparative analysis is provided to showcase which regions are leading in the health facilities in the world in general and Africa, in particular, as well as countries that are lagging in the attendant healthcare facilities. Analytical insights are provided to illustrate that the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed how Africa cannot reach most Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG-3 on health and well-being. Moreover, corresponding inferences suggest that the continent is unprepared for future pandemics in terms of health facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of CT Theory & Applications is the property of Editorial Department of CT Theory & Applications and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of CT Theory & Applications is the property of Editorial Department of CT Theory & Applications and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

ObjectiveThe Consortium for Clinical Characterization of COVID-19 by EHR (4CE) is an international collaboration addressing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with federated analyses of electronic health record (EHR) data. We sought to develop and validate a computable phenotype for COVID-19 severity.Materials and methodsTwelve 4CE sites participated. First, we developed an EHR-based severity phenotype consisting of 6 code classes, and we validated it on patient hospitalization data from the 12 4CE clinical sites against the outcomes of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and/or death. We also piloted an alternative machine learning approach and compared selected predictors of severity with the 4CE phenotype at 1 site.ResultsThe full 4CE severity phenotype had pooled sensitivity of 0.73 and specificity 0.83 for the combined outcome of ICU admission and/or death. The sensitivity of individual code categories for acuity had high variability-up to 0.65 across sites. At one pilot site, the expert-derived phenotype had mean area under the curve of 0.903 (95% confidence interval, 0.886-0.921), compared with an area under the curve of 0.956 (95% confidence interval, 0.952-0.959) for the machine learning approach. Billing codes were poor proxies of ICU admission, with as low as 49% precision and recall compared with chart review.DiscussionWe developed a severity phenotype using 6 code classes that proved resilient to coding variability across international institutions. In contrast, machine learning approaches may overfit hospital-specific orders. Manual chart review revealed discrepancies even in the gold-standard outcomes, possibly owing to heterogeneous pandemic conditions.ConclusionsWe developed an EHR-based severity phenotype for COVID-19 in hospitalized patients and validated it at 12 international sites.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze imaging and clinical data of patients with severe and critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with different prognoses and provide help for clinical decision-making. Method: Clinical data and chest imaging computed tomography (CT) of patients with severe and critical COVID-19 were collected. Clinical data included: blood routine indexes, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin (PCT), the indexes of liver and kidney function, D-Dimer, myocardial enzyme, B-type amino terminal natriuretic peptide (LNTP), and whether there was any underlying medical history. The chest CT images and various indexes of patients with different prognoses of COVID-19 were compared. The relevant indicators with significant differences between the two groups were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results: A total of 118 patients were enrolled, including 68 in the death group and 50 in the survival group. The age of the death group was longer, and the proportion of sputum and poor tolerance was higher than that of the survival group. Compared with the survival group, in the death group, there was a higher abnormal proportion of leukocyte count (WBC), neutrophil absolute value, monocyte absolute value, red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin, erythrocyte ratio, abnormal glomerular filtration rate, PCT, D-Dimer, creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK), troponin (TNI), LNTP. Compared with the survival group, WBC, NEUT and percentage, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, erythrocyte volume distribution width, erythrocyte volume distribution width standard deviation, PCT, D-Dimer, CK, CK-MB, myoglobin (MYO), TNI and LNTP were significantly increased in the death group, while the lymphocyte percentage, monocyte percentage, mean RBC hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and glomerular filtration rate were significantly lower. Compared with the survival group, there was no significant difference in the imaging signs of COVID-19 infection in the death group, but the scope of initial chest CT lesions was larger, with more than 50%. In the survival group, more CT lesions were located in the periphery of the lung and subpleura, while in the death group, more lesions showed progression or aggravation. Age, RBC, glomerular filtration rate, CK-MB, MYO, and LNTP were the main factors that suggested prognostic outcomes. Conclusion: Age, blood routine, liver and kidney function, myocardial function, hemagglutination status, inflammatory reactant index, and lung lesion extent and progression of patients infected with COVID-19 are important factors indicating the severity of the disease and poor prognosis. Abnormal increases in leukocyte and neutrophilic granulocyte, CRP, PCT, D-dimer, and myocardial markers might be the main factors that better predict fatal outcomes in severe and critical patients. Abnormalities in age, RBC, glomerular filtration rate, CK-MB, MYO, and LNTP were the main factors indicating fatal outcomes in severe and critically ill patients. Combined with the comprehensive evaluation of clinical and laboratory examinations, imaging findings and follow-up are indispensable methods to evaluate the severity and prognosis of the disease.