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1.
Journal of Research on Technology in Education ; 55(3):426-440, 2023.
Article in English | Academic Search Complete | ID: covidwho-2315407

ABSTRACT

Due to COVID-19, the primary teaching method has changed from traditional face-to-face teaching to online teaching. The present study explored the correlates between two personality traits, Neuroticism and Extraversion, and two types of self-efficacy, Internet self-efficacy and academic self-efficacy, on practical performance anxiety. Data from 273 technical college students were collected. Structural equation modeling analysis was performed. Results show that Neuroticism and Extraversion can predict students' practical performance anxiety through Internet and academic self-efficacy. Moreover, Neuroticism can negatively predict Internet and academic self-efficacy. Extraversion can positively predict Internet and academic self-efficacy. The two types of self-efficacy can positively predict practical performance anxiety. According to the results, it seems necessary to reduce students' practical performance anxiety by paying attention to their personality features and their self-efficacy. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Research on Technology in Education is the property of Routledge 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 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 . (Copyright applies to all s.)

2.
J Med Virol ; 95(4): e28727, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2305840

ABSTRACT

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is ongoing and multiple studies have elucidated its pathogenesis, however, the related- microbiome imbalance caused by SARS-CoV-2 is still not clear. In this study, we have comprehensively compared the microbiome composition and associated function alterations in the oropharyngeal swabs of healthy controls and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with moderate or severe symptoms by metatranscriptomic sequencing. We did observe a reduced microbiome alpha-diversity but significant enrichment of opportunistic microorganisms in patients with COVID-19 compared with healthy controls, and the microbial homeostasis was rebuilt following the recovery of COVID-19 patients. Correspondingly, less functional genes in multiple biological processes and weakened metabolic pathways such as carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism were also observed in COVID-19 patients. We only found higher relative abundance of limited genera such as Lachnoanaerobaculum between severe patients and moderate patients while no worthy-noting microbiome diversity and function alteration were observed. Finally, we noticed that the co-occurrence of antibiotic resistance and virulence was closely related to the microbiome alteration caused by SRAS-CoV-2. Overall, our findings demonstrate that microbial dysbiosis may enhance the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and the antibiotics treatment should be critically considered.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Microbiota , Humans , SARS-CoV-2 , Dysbiosis , Drug Resistance, Microbial
3.
Emerg Microbes Infect ; 12(1): 2208679, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2302132

ABSTRACT

As a hallmark of COVID-19 progression, lymphopenia alongside its subtle immune disturbance has been widely reported, but yet to be thoroughly elucidated. Aiming at exploring clinical immune biomarkers with accessibility in the current and acute omicron epidemic abrupted in China post-control era, we design a real-world prospective observation cohort in Peking Union Medical College Hospital to describe immunological, haematological profiles inducing lymphocyte subsets related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this COVID-19 cohort, we enrolled 17 mild/moderate (M/M), 24 severe (S) and 25 critical (C) patients. The dynamics of lymphocytes of COVID-19 demonstrated that the sharp decline of NK, CD8+, and CD4+ T cell counts was the main contributor to lymphopenia in the S/C group, compared to the M/M group. Expressions of activation marker CD38 and proliferation marker Ki-67 both in CD8+ T and NK cells were significantly higher in all COVID-19 patients than that in healthy donors, independent of disease severity. The subsequent analysis showed in contrast to the M/M group, NK and CD8+ T cell counts remained low-level after therapy in the S/C group. CD38 and Ki-67 expressions in NK and CD8+ T cells still stay at a high level, despite active treatment. Targeting relatively elderly patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, severe COVID-19 features the unreversible reduction of NK and CD8+ T cells with persistent activation and proliferation, which assist clinicians in early recognizing and saving severe or critical COVID-19 patients. Given that immunophenotype, the new immunotherapy improving NK and CD8+ T lymphocyte antiviral efficiency should be considered.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Lymphopenia , Humans , Aged , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes , Pandemics , Prospective Studies , Ki-67 Antigen , SARS-CoV-2
4.
QJM ; 2023 Mar 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2282956
5.
Front Immunol ; 14: 1116738, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2232638

ABSTRACT

Background: The clinical benefits of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in treating COVID-19 remained controversial. Methods: We systematically searched databases up to February 17, 2022, for studies examining the efficacy of IVIg compared to routine care. Meta-analyses were conducted using the random-effects model. Subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and trial series analysis w ere performed to explore heterogeneity and statistical significance. Results: A total of 4,711 hospitalized COVID-19 patients (1,925 IVIg treated and 2786 control) were collected from 17 studies, including five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 12 cohort studies. The application of IVIg was not associated with all-cause mortality (RR= 0.89 [0.63, 1.26], P= 0.53; I2 = 75%), the length of hospital stays (MD= 0.29 [-3.40, 6.44] days, P= 0.88; I2 = 96%), the needs for mechanical ventilation (RR= 0.93 ([0.73, 1.19], P= 0.31; I2 = 56%), or the incidence of adverse events (RR= 1.15 [0.99, 1.33], P= 0.06; I2 = 20%). Subgroup analyses showed that overall mortality among patients with severe COVID-19 was reduced in the high-dose IVIg subgroup (RR= 0.33 [0.13, 0.86], P= 0.02, I2 = 68%; very low certainty). Conclusions: Results of this study suggest that severe hospitalized COVID-19 patients treated with high-dose IVIg would have a lower risk of death than patients with routine care. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021231040, identifier CRD42021231040.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Immunoglobulins, Intravenous , Humans , Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/therapeutic use , Length of Stay , Databases, Factual
6.
Risk Manag Healthc Policy ; 16: 185-197, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2232469

ABSTRACT

Background: Information seeking, as an important part of the prevention and control of infectious diseases, can lead to positive outcomes by reducing uncertainty and alleviating panic. However, most previous studies have limited their analysis to individual-level psychosocial factors, and little is known about how social-level factors influence individuals' information-seeking intentions. Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted from July 30, 2020 to August 15, 2020 in China. We used a convenience sampling strategy to recruit participants from among the Internet users. The structural equation model was used to identify the incentives associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk information-seeking intention. Results: In this study, the responses of 871 Internet users who reflected a response rate of 85% were analyzed. Information-seeking intention was found to be directed by informational subjective norms (ISNs), perceived information need, risk knowledge, the sense of community (SOC), and negative affective responses, and ISNs were found to be the strongest driving factor. Individuals with a stronger SOC, which was associated with greater pressure and expectations, show negative affective responses. COVID-19 risk knowledge can affect the information-seeking intention of Internet users not only directly but also indirectly through their perceived information need. In addition, more risk knowledge was associated with a lower perceived risk likelihood. Conclusion: When formulating risk communication strategies, governments and health institutions should take targeted measures to improve the public's SOC and knowledge. This will provide an opportunity to explore the role of individual cognition and environmental risk information in public health.

7.
Sustainability ; 14(19):12211, 2022.
Article in English | MDPI | ID: covidwho-2043958

ABSTRACT

The triggering of supply chain brittleness has a significant impact on enterprise benefits under attack from the COVID-19 pandemic. The complexity of the supply chain system, the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, and demand uncertainty have made the triggering and propagation of supply chain brittleness complicated. In this study, a brittleness evolution model based on adaptive agent graph theory has been constructed. The parameters of brittleness evolution, including brittleness entropy and the vertex state value, have been quantitatively designed, and the brittleness evolution model in which the adaptability of nodes is considered and is not considered is constructed. A simulation algorithm based on the integrated scheduling model of the supply chain has been established. Finally, the practicability of the proposed model and algorithm is demonstrated via a case study of an electronic supply chain network. The results indicate that the proposed model and algorithm can effectively analyze the brittleness evolution law of the supply chain under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the evolution law of the vertex state, the brittleness entropy of the vertex, the global entropy of brittleness, the seasonal evolution law of the supply chain brittleness, and the evolution law of the brittleness behavior.

8.
Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine ; 8, 2021.
Article in English | EuropePMC | ID: covidwho-1679286

ABSTRACT

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Myocardial ischemia may occur in patients with normal or non-obstructive CAD on invasive coronary angiography (ICA). The comprehensive evaluation of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) integrated with fractional flow reserve derived from CCTA (CT-FFR) to CAD may be essential to improve the outcomes of patients with non-obstructive CAD. China CT-FFR Study-2 (ChiCTR2000031410) is a large-scale prospective, observational study in 29 medical centers in China. The primary purpose is to uncover the relationship between the CCTA findings (including CT-FFR) and the outcome of patients with non-obstructive CAD. At least 10,000 patients with non-obstructive CAD but without previous revascularization will be enrolled. A 5-year follow-up will be performed. The primary endpoint is the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarct, unplanned revascularization, and hospitalization for unstable angina. Clinical characteristics, laboratory and imaging examination results will be collected to analyze their prognostic value.

9.
Stem Cell Rev Rep ; 18(3): 1193-1206, 2022 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1620352

ABSTRACT

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), one of the most common carbohydrate metabolism disorders, is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and insulin resistance (IR), and has become an urgent global health challenge. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) originating from perinatal tissues such as umbilical cord (UC) and amniotic membrane (AM) serve as ideal candidates for the treatment of T2DM due to their great advantages in terms of abundant source, proliferation capacity, immunomodulation and plasticity for insulin-producing cell differentiation. However, the optimally perinatal MSC source to treat T2DM remains elusive. This study aims to compare the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs derived from AM and UC (AMMSCs and UCMSCs) of the same donor in the alleviation of T2DM symptoms and explore the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that AMMSCs and UCMSCs displayed indistinguishable immunophenotype and multi-lineage differentiation potential, but UCMSCs had a much higher expansion capacity than AMMSCs. Moreover, we uncovered that single-dose intravenous injection of either AMMSCs or UCMSCs could comparably reduce hyperglycemia and improve IR in T2DM db/db mice. Mechanistic investigations revealed that either AMMSC or UCMSC infusion could greatly improve glycolipid metabolism in the liver of db/db mice, which was evidenced by decreased liver to body weight ratio, reduced lipid accumulation, upregulated glycogen synthesis, and increased Akt phosphorylation. Taken together, these data indicate that the same donor-derived AMMSCs and UCMSCs possessed comparable effects and shared a similar hepatoprotective mechanism on the alleviation of T2DM symptoms.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Hyperglycemia , Insulin Resistance , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Amnion , Animals , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy , Mice , Umbilical Cord
10.
Front Immunol ; 12: 627844, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1573949

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The effective treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unclear. We reported successful use of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in cases of severe COVID-19, but evidence from larger case series is still lacking. METHODS: A multi-center retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of IVIg administered within two weeks of disease onset at a total dose of 2 g/kg body weight, in addition to standard care. The primary endpoint was 28-day mortality. Efficacy of high-dose IVIg was assessed by using the Cox proportional hazards regression model and the Kaplan-Meier curve adjusted by inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis, and IPTW after multiple imputation (MI) analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 26 patients who received high-dose IVIg with standard therapy and 89 patients who received standard therapy only were enrolled in this study. The IVIg group was associated with a lower 28-day mortality rate and less time to normalization of inflammatory markers including IL-6, IL-10, and ferritin compared with the control. The adjusted HR of 28-day mortality in high-dose IVIg group was 0.24 (95% CI 0.06-0.99, p<0.001) in IPTW model, and 0.27 (95% CI 0.10-0.57, p=0.031) in IPTW-MI model. In subgroup analysis, patients with no comorbidities or treated in the first week of disease were associated with more benefit from high-dose IVIg. CONCLUSIONS: High-dose IVIg administered in severe COVID-19 patients within 14 days of onset was linked to reduced 28-day mortality, more prominent with those having no comorbidities or treated at earlier stage.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Drug Treatment , COVID-19/mortality , Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/administration & dosage , SARS-CoV-2/metabolism , Adult , Aged , COVID-19/blood , China/epidemiology , Disease-Free Survival , Female , Ferritins/blood , Humans , Interleukin-10/blood , Interleukin-6/blood , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Survival Rate
11.
Front Chem ; 9: 689521, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1435982

ABSTRACT

The densely glycosylated spike (S) proteins that are highly exposed on the surface of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) facilitate viral attachment, entry, and membrane fusion. We have previously reported all the 22 N-glycosites and site-specific N-glycans in the S protein protomer. Herein, we report the O-glycosylation landscapes of SARS-CoV-2 S proteins, which were characterized through high-resolution mass spectrometry. Following digestion with trypsin and trypsin/Glu-C, and de-N-glycosylation using PNGase F, we determined the GalNAc-type O-glycosylation pattern of S proteins, including O-glycosites and the six most common O-glycans occupying them, via Byonic identification and manual validation. Finally, 255 intact O-glycopeptides composed of 50 peptides sequences and 43 O-glycosites were discovered by higher energy collision-induced dissociation (HCD), and three O-glycosites were confidently identified by electron transfer/higher energy collision-induced dissociation (EThcD) in the insect cell-expressed S protein. Most glycosites were modified by non-sialylated O-glycans such as HexNAc(1) and HexNAc(1)Hex (1). In contrast, in the human cell-expressed S protein S1 subunit, 407 intact O-glycopeptides composed of 34 peptides sequences and 30 O-glycosites were discovered by HCD, and 11 O-glycosites were unambiguously assigned by EThcD. However, the measurement of O-glycosylation occupancy hasn't been made. Most glycosites were modified by sialylated O-glycans such as HexNAc(1)Hex (1)NeuAc (1) and HexNAc(1)Hex (1)NeuAc (2). Our results reveal that the SARS-CoV-2 S protein is an O-glycoprotein; the O-glycosites and O-glycan compositions vary with the host cell type. These comprehensive O-glycosylation landscapes of the S protein are expected to provide novel insights into the viral binding mechanism and present a strategy for the development of vaccines and targeted drugs.

13.
Signal Transduct Target Ther ; 6(1): 304, 2021 08 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1361622

ABSTRACT

A comprehensive analysis of the humoral immune response to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is essential in understanding COVID-19 pathogenesis and developing antibody-based diagnostics and therapy. In this work, we performed a longitudinal analysis of antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 proteins in 104 serum samples from 49 critical COVID-19 patients using a peptide-based SARS-CoV-2 proteome microarray. Our data show that the binding epitopes of IgM and IgG antibodies differ across SARS-CoV-2 proteins and even within the same protein. Moreover, most IgM and IgG epitopes are located within nonstructural proteins (nsps), which are critical in inactivating the host's innate immune response and enabling SARS-CoV-2 replication, transcription, and polyprotein processing. IgM antibodies are associated with a good prognosis and target nsp3 and nsp5 proteases, whereas IgG antibodies are associated with high mortality and target structural proteins (Nucleocapsid, Spike, ORF3a). The epitopes targeted by antibodies in patients with a high mortality rate were further validated using an independent serum cohort (n = 56) and using global correlation mapping analysis with the clinical variables that are associated with COVID-19 severity. Our data provide fundamental insight into humoral immunity during SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 immunogenic epitopes identified in this work could also help direct antibody-based COVID-19 treatment and triage patients.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral/immunology , COVID-19/immunology , Immunity, Humoral , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Viral Nonstructural Proteins/immunology , COVID-19/mortality , Critical Illness , Disease-Free Survival , Epitopes/immunology , Female , Humans , Immunoglobulin G/immunology , Immunoglobulin M/immunology , Male , Protein Array Analysis , Survival Rate
14.
Front Immunol ; 12: 677957, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1337637

ABSTRACT

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis or other rheumatic diseases treated with corticosteroids, immunomodulators and biologics might face additional risk during COVID-19 epidemic due to their immunocompromised status. However, there was still no unanimous opinion on the use of these therapy during COVID-19 epidemic. Current studies suggested that systemic corticosteroids might increase the risk of hospitalization, as well as risks of ventilation, ICU, and death among patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Anti-TNF agent was associated with lower rate of hospitalization, as well as lower risks of ventilation, ICU, and death. No significant changes in rates of hospitalization, ventilation, ICU and mortality were observed in patients treated with immunomodulators or biologics apart from anti-TNF agents. The underlying mechanism of these results might be related to pathway of antiviral immune response and cytokine storm induced by SARS-COV-2 infection. Decision on the use of corticosteroids, immunomodulators and biologics should be made after weighing the benefits and potential risks based on individual patients.


Subject(s)
Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Biological Products/therapeutic use , COVID-19 Drug Treatment , Cytokine Release Syndrome/drug therapy , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/drug therapy , Psoriasis/drug therapy , Rheumatic Diseases/drug therapy , SARS-CoV-2/physiology , Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors/therapeutic use , COVID-19/mortality , Cytokine Release Syndrome/mortality , Hospitalization , Humans , Immunity , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/mortality , Psoriasis/mortality , Rheumatic Diseases/mortality , Risk , Survival Analysis
15.
Ren Fail ; 43(1): 1104-1114, 2021 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1303829

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The clinical use of serum creatine (sCr) and cystatin C (CysC) in kidney function evaluation of critically ill patients has been in continuous discussion. The difference between estimated glomerular filtration rate calculated by sCr (eGFRcr) and CysC (eGFRcysc) of critically ill COVID-19 patients were investigated in this study. METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-center study of critically ill patients with COVID-19 admitted in intensive care unit (ICU) at Wuhan, China. Control cases were moderate COVID-19 patients matched in age and sex at a ratio of 1:1. The eGFRcr and eGFRcysc were compared. The association between eGFR and death were analyzed in critically ill cases. The potential factors influencing the divergence between eGFRcr and eGFRcysc were explored. RESULTS: A total of 76 critically ill COVID-19 patients were concluded. The mean age was 64.5 ± 9.3 years. The eGFRcr (85.45 (IQR 60.58-99.23) ml/min/1.73m2) were much higher than eGFRcysc (60.6 (IQR 34.75-79.06) ml/min/1.73m2) at ICU admission. About 50 % of them showed eGFRcysc < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 while 25% showed eGFRcr < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (χ2 = 10.133, p = 0.001). This divergence was not observed in moderate group. The potential factors influencing the divergence included serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) level as well as APACHEII, SOFA scores. Reduced eGFRcr (<60 mL/min/1.73 m2) was associated with death (HR = 1.939, 95%CI 1.078-3.489, p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: The eGFRcr was generally higher than eGFRcysc in critically ill COVID-19 cases with severe inflammatory state. The divergence might be affected by inflammatory condition and illness severity. Reduced eGFRcr predicted in-hospital death. In these patients, we advocate for caution when using eGFRcysc.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/physiopathology , Creatine/blood , Cystatin C/blood , Glomerular Filtration Rate , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/diagnosis , Aged , Biomarkers/blood , COVID-19/complications , COVID-19/mortality , China/epidemiology , Critical Illness/therapy , Female , Hospital Mortality , Humans , Kidney Function Tests , Male , Middle Aged , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/blood , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/etiology , Retrospective Studies , Survival Analysis
16.
Chin Med Sci J ; 36(2): 85-96, 2021 Jun 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1299806

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo describe the epidemiologic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics and prognoses of COVID-19 confirmed patients in a single center in Beijing, China. Methods The study retrospectively included 19 patients with nucleic acid-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection at our hospital from January 20 to March 5, 2020. The final follow-up date was March 14, 2020. The epidemiologic and clinical information was obtained through direct communication with the patients or their family members. Laboratory results retrieved from medical records and radiological images were analyzed both qualitatively by two senior chest radiologists as well as quantitatively via an artificial intelligence software. Results We identified 5 family clusters (13/19, 68.4%) from the study cohort. All cases had good clinical prognoses and were either mild (3/19) or moderate (16/19) clinical types. Fever (15/19, 78.9%) and dry cough (11/19, 57.9%) were common symptoms. Two patients received negative results for more than three consecutive viral nucleic acid tests. The longest interval between an initial CT abnormal finding and a confirmed diagnosis was 30 days. One patient's nucleic acid test turned positive on the follow-up examination after discharge. The presence of radiological abnormalities was non-specific for the diagnosis of COVID-19. Conclusions COVID-19 patients with mild or no clinical symptoms are common in Beijing, China. Radiological abnormalities are mostly non-specific and massive CT examinations for COVID-19 screening should be avoided. Analyses of the contact histories of diagnosed cases in combination with clinical, radiological and laboratory findings are crucial for the early detection of COVID-19. Close monitoring after discharge is also recommended.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Testing , COVID-19 , Lung/diagnostic imaging , SARS-CoV-2 , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Adult , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19/diagnostic imaging , Child , China , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies
17.
Front Immunol ; 12: 671443, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1172967

ABSTRACT

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.627844/full.].

18.
Emerg Microbes Infect ; 9(1): 727-732, 2020 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1169498

ABSTRACT

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with droplets and contact as the main means of transmission. Since the first case appeared in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, the outbreak has gradually spread nationwide. Up to now, according to official data released by the Chinese health commission, the number of newly diagnosed patients has been declining, and the epidemic is gradually being controlled. Although most patients have mild symptoms and good prognosis after infection, some patients developed severe and die from multiple organ complications. The pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans remains unclear. Immune function is a strong defense against invasive pathogens and there is currently no specific antiviral drug against the virus. This article reviews the immunological changes of coronaviruses like SARS, MERS and other viral pneumonia similar to SARS-CoV-2. Combined with the published literature, the potential pathogenesis of COVID-19 is inferred, and the treatment recommendations for giving high-doses intravenous immunoglobulin and low-molecular-weight heparin anticoagulant therapy to severe type patients are proposed.


Subject(s)
Coronavirus Infections/immunology , Pneumonia, Viral/immunology , Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome/immunology , Animals , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Antibodies, Viral/immunology , Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , B-Lymphocytes/immunology , Betacoronavirus/pathogenicity , COVID-19 , Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy , Coronavirus Infections/therapy , Coronavirus Infections/virology , Cytokines/immunology , Cytokines/metabolism , Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight/therapeutic use , Humans , Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/therapeutic use , Immunologic Factors/therapeutic use , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype , Influenza, Human/immunology , Mice , Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus/immunology , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy , Pneumonia, Viral/therapy , Pneumonia, Viral/virology , Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus/immunology , SARS-CoV-2 , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , COVID-19 Drug Treatment
19.
Asian J Criminol ; 16(1): 51-74, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1018436

ABSTRACT

The Covid-19 pandemic has given rise to stigma, discrimination, and even hate crimes against various populations in the Chinese language-speaking world. Using interview data with victims, online observation, and the data mining of media reports, this paper investigated the changing targets of stigma from the outbreak of Covid-19 to early April 2020 when China had largely contained the first wave of Covid-19 within its border. We found that at the early stage of the pandemic, stigma was inflicted by some non-Hubei Chinese population onto Wuhan and Hubei residents, by some Hong Kong and Taiwan residents onto mainland Chinese, and by some Westerners towards overseas Chinese. With the number of cases outside China surpassing that in China, stigmatization was imposed by some Chinese onto Africans in China. We further explore how various factors, such as the fear of infection, food and mask culture, political ideology, and racism, affected the stigmatization of different victim groups. This study not only improved our understanding of how stigmatization happened in the Chinese-speaking world amid Covid-19 but also contributes to the literature of how sociopolitical factors may affect the production of hate crimes.

20.
J Cosmet Dermatol ; 20(2): 372-380, 2021 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-991566

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The emergence of COVID-19 has become a global health emergency. The transmissibility of the disease is of great interest to healthcare workers and scientists alike. The primary route of transmission is via respiratory droplets, but viral RNA has also been found in feces and body fluids such as urine, serum, and semen. So far, there has been no report on whether SARS-CoV-2 is present in the exudates of cutaneous lesions. This study was designed to investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 can be found in the pressure injury exudates in patients with severe COVID-19 infections. METHODS: 46 critically ill COVID-19 patients who were admitted to the ICU of the Sino-French New City Branch of Tongji Hospital in Wuhan between February 4 and April 12 developed pressure injuries. 22 patients with pressure injuries had wound exudates. Wound and pharyngeal swabs of the 22 patients were collected and RT-PCRs were conducted to detect SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA. RESULTS: At the time of pressure injury, 5 patients still tested positive by pharyngeal swabs, the rest of the 17 patients tested negative. However, none of the wound exudate swabs from the participants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that it is rather unlikely that COVID-19 can be transmitted via pressure injury exudates, but we still recommend standardized personal protective equipment, face shield and an additional pair of gloves when treating pressure injuries.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/virology , Exudates and Transudates/virology , Pressure Ulcer/virology , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged
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