Effectiveness of CoronaVac vaccine against severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) hospitalizations in Sibu District, Malaysia: A retrospective test-negative design

Introduction: The COVID-19 vaccination campaign was implemented in Sibu, Malaysia in February 2021. We assessed the effectiveness of the CoronaVac vaccine against severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) hospitalisation associated with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 by time since vaccination. Method(s): A test-negative case-control design was employed using a web-based national information system for PCR results of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination, and the hospitalisation dataset in Sibu Hospital. Eligible SARI cases with SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive were matched to those SARI cases with negative RT-PCR tests by age and workplace. Vaccine effectiveness was measured by conditional logistic regression with adjustment for gender, comorbidity, smoking and education level. Result(s): Between 15 March and 30 September 2021, in the dominance of lineages B.1.466.2 and B.1.617.2 (Delta variant), a total of 838 eligible SARI patients were identified. Vaccine effectiveness was 42.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -28.3, 74.1), and 76.5% (95% CI: 45.6, 89.8) for partial vaccination (after the first dose through 14 days after the second dose) and complete vaccination (at 15 days or more after receipt of the second dose), respectively. Sensitivity analysis using propensity score matching yielded a conservative estimate of 57.4% (95% CI: 9.2, 80.1) for complete vaccination. Conclusion(s): Primary immunisation with two doses of CoronaVac vaccine provided satisfactory protection against SARI caused by SARS-CoV-2 in the short term. However, the duration of protection, incremental effectiveness induced by boosting, as well as performance against new variants need to be studied continuously.

Development of a carpark cardiac implantable electronic device clinic to improve time efficiency and patient satisfaction in the context of restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated time efficiency and patient satisfaction of a "car park clinic" (CPC) compared to traditional face-to-face (F2F) during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Consecutive patients attending CPC between September 2020 and November 2021 were surveyed. CPC time was recorded by staff. F2F time was reported by patients and administrative data. RESULTS: A total of 591 patients attended the CPC. A total of 176 responses were collected for F2F clinic. Regarding satisfaction, 90% of CPC patients responded "happy" or "very happy." 96% reported feeling "safe" or "very safe." Patients spent significantly less time in CPC compared to F2F (17 ± 8 vs. 50 ± 24 min, p < .001). CONCLUSION: CPC had excellent patient satisfaction and superior time efficiency compared to F2F.

Planning for resilient central-city shopping districts in the post-Covid era: an explanatory case study of the Hoddle Grid in Melbourne

This research explores how central-city shopping districts could be transformed to support a post-Covid lifestyle, where people re-embrace community, local streets and walking while relying more on online shopping. By reviewing metropolitan/city development plans since the 1980s and mapping changes of retail provisions, urban environment and pedestrian movements in Melbourne's Hoddle Grid in the twenty-first century, this paper shows that planning policies focusing on people-centred experiences in the central-city shopping district helped to improve retail resilience. This paper thus adds insights to understanding the relentless retail landscape changes and has implications for central-city retail planning in the post-Covid era. © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Cambridge Political Economy Society. All rights reserved.

Microfluidics for nano-drug delivery systems: from fundamentals to industrialization

In recent years, owing to the miniaturization of the fluidic environment, microfluidic technology offers unique opportunities for the implementation of nano drug delivery systems (NDDSs) production processes. Compared with traditional methods, microfluidics improves the controllability and uniformity of NDDSs. The fast mixing and laminar flow properties achieved in the microchannels can tune the physicochemical properties of NDDSs, including particle size, distribution and morphology, resulting in narrow particle size distribution and high drug-loading capacity. The success of lipid nanoparticles encapsulated mRNA vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 by microfluidics also confirmed its feasibility for scaling up the preparation of NDDSs via parallelization or numbering-up. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of microfluidics-based NDDSs, including the fundamentals of microfluidics, microfluidic synthesis of NDDSs, and their industrialization. The challenges of microfluidics-based NDDSs in the current status and the prospects for future development are also discussed. We believe that this review will provide good guidance for microfluidics-based NDDSs.Copyright © 2023 Chinese Pharmaceutical Association and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Osteoarthritis year in review 2022: biology.

The field of osteoarthritis (OA) biology is rapidly evolving and brilliant progress has been made this year as well. Landmark studies of OA biology published in 2021 and early 2022 were selected through PubMed search by personal opinion. These papers were classified by their molecular mechanisms, and it was largely divided into the intracellular signaling mechanisms and the inter-compartment interaction in chondrocyte homeostasis and OA progression. The intracellular signaling mechanisms involving OA progression included (1) Piezo1/transient receptor potential channels of the vanilloid subtype (TRPV) 4-mediated calcium signaling, (2) mechanical load-F-box and WD repeat domain containing 7 (FBXW7) in chondrocyte senescence, (3) mechanical loading-primary cilia-hedgehog signaling, (4) low grade inflammation by toll-like receptor (TLR)-CD14-lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) complex and inhibitor of NF-κB kinase (IKK) ß-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, (5) selenium pathway and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, (6) G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling, (7) peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)-acyl-CoA thioesterase 12 (ACOT12)-mediated de novo lipogenesis and (8) hypoxia-disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like (DOT1L)-H3-lysine 79 (H3K79) methylation pathway. The studies on inter-compartment or intercellular interaction in OA progression included the following subjects; (1) the anabolic role of lubricin, glycoprotein from superficial zone cells, (2) osteoclast-chondrocyte interaction via exosomal miRNA and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), (3) senescent fibroblast-like synoviocyte and chondrocyte interaction, (4) synovial macrophage and chondrocyte interaction through Flightless I, (5) αV integrin-mediated transforming growth factor beta (TGFß) activation by mechanical loading, and (6) osteocytic TGFß in subchondral bone thickening. Despite the disastrous Covid-19 pandemic, many outstanding studies have expanded the boundary of OA biology. They provide both critical insight into the pathophysiology as well as clues for the treatment of OA.

"Home away from home” in pandemic times: how has COVID-19 changed the Airbnb market in Melbourne?

Purpose: This study aims to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted and changed Airbnb market in the Greater Melbourne area in terms of its temporal and spatial patterns and identify possible shifts in underlying trends in travel activities. Design/methodology/approach: A panel data set of Airbnb listings in Melbourne is analysed to compare temporal patterns, spatial distribution and lengths of stay of Airbnb users before and after the COVID outbreak. Findings: This study found that the COVID disruption did not fundamentally change the temporal cycle of the Airbnb market. Month-to-month fluctuations peaked at different levels from pre-pandemic times mainly because of lockdowns and other restrictive measures. The impact of COVID-19 disruptions on neighbourhood-level Airbnb revenues is associated with distance to CBD rather than number of COVID cases. Inner city suburbs suffered major loss during the pandemic, whereas outer suburbs gained popularity due to increased domestic travel and long stays. Long stays (28 days or more, as defined by Airbnb) were the fastest growing segment during the pandemic, which indicates the Airbnb market was adapting to increasing demand for purposes like remote working or lifestyle change. After easing of COVID-related restrictions, demand for short-term accommodation quickly recovered, but supply has not shown signs of strong recovery. Spatial distribution of post-pandemic supply recovery shows a similar spatial variation. Neighbourhoods in the inner city have not shown signs of significant recovery, whereas those in the middle and outer rings are either slowly recovering or approaching their pre-COVID levels. Practical implications: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted short-term rental markets and in particular the Airbnb sector during the phase of its rapid development. This paper helps inform in- and post-pandemic housing policy, market opportunity and investment decision. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is one of the first attempts to empirically examine both temporal and spatial patterns of the COVID-19 impact on Airbnb market in one of the most severely impacted major cities. It is one of the first attempts to identify shifts in underlying trends in travel based on Airbnb data. © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Public psychological crisis reports: an investigation during the remission of COVID-19 in China

Purpose: The COVID-19 outbreak has been effectively controlled in China, but the resulting public psychological crisis is a latent, persistent and torturous disaster. This crisis affects not only the individual's health but also social stability. This study aims to reveal the structure and situation of public psychological crisis during the remission period of the COVID-19 epidemic. Design/methodology/approach: A questionnaire survey of the psychological crisis was conducted from February to May 2021. Data was collected from 1,056 respondents from different provinces in China. Findings: The findings reveal the dangerous risks of public psychological crises. The specific results are as follows: first, a hierarchical state structure of psychological crisis is constructed and characterized as a significant gradient decline, namely, anxious state>panic state>depressive state>hostile state. Second, 43.939% of respondents reported an anxious state, 46.780% reported a panic state, 40.909% reported a depressive state, 28.883% reported a hostile state and 22.254% of the respondents had four psychological crisis states. Third, those with 56–65 years of age, equal or below high school and PhD, with monthly family incomes of ¥50,000–¥100,000 and living in the county and city areas have relatively high levels of psychological crisis. Originality/value: This study enriches the research on the evolution of the psychological crisis in terms of structure and periods. This study also provides substantial evidence for hierarchical intervention and differentiated intervention of psychological crisis. © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Oncology workload in a tertiary hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: Workload in oncology during a pandemic is expected to increase as manpower is shunted to other areas of need in combating the pandemic. This increased workload, coupled with the high care needs of cancer patients, can have negative effects on both healthcare providers and their patients. Method(s): This study aims to quantify the workload of medical oncologists compared to internal medicine physicians and general surgeons during the current COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the previous H1N1 pandemic in 2009. Result(s): Our data showed decrease in inpatient and outpatient workload across all three specialties, but the decrease was least in medical oncology (medical oncology -18.5% inpatient and -3.8% outpatient, internal medicine -5.7% inpatient and -24.4% outpatient, general surgery -17.6% inpatient, and -39.1% outpatient). The decrease in general surgery workload was statistically significant. The proportion of emergency department admissions to medical oncology increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the study compared the workload during COVID-19 with the prior H1N1 pandemic in 2009 and showed a more drastic decrease in patient numbers across all three specialties during COVID-19. Discussion(s): We conclude that inpatient and outpatient workload in medical oncology remains high despite an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The inpatient medical oncology workload is largely contributed by the stable number of emergency department admissions, as patients who require urgent care will present to a healthcare facility, pandemic or not. Healthcare systems should maintain manpower in medical oncology to manage this vulnerable group of patients in light of the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. Copyright © The Author(s) 2022.

Challenges and Problems on Self-directed Learning Readiness in Non– face-to-face Educational Settings During COVID-19

This study aimed to verify whether self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) level can be significantly predicted by the literacy of learning management system (LLMS), motivation, and feedback interaction (FI) in non–face-to-face educational settings. We performed Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. A total of 206 online college students responded to this web survey using simple random sampling. Results showed that three variables (LLMS, motivation, and FI) were positively associated with SDLR. Moreover, motivation and LLMS affected the SDLR level, and FI did not. Moreover, it is necessary for online educators to understand the problems that learners may face, such as low LLMS, low motivation, and lack of interaction in a non–face-to-face educational circumstances. In addition, this study suggested that they can encourage their students to increase LLMS and motivation for improving self-directed learning of online students during COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, limitations and suggestions were discussed for future studies. © 2022 by the author.

DIFFERENT LEVELS OF LEISURE-TIME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND MENTAL HEALTH FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH DIABETES IN THE PANDEMIC

This study is an initial investigation of the association of different levels of LTPA engagement with mental health (e.g., loneliness, happiness, and positive and negative affect) among older adults with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 has led public health researchers to improve mental health among older adults with diabetes. Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) has been emerged to cope with mental health difficulties in the pandemic. Total 301 respondents were extracted from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) based on the following two criteria: over 50 years old and the onset of diabetes. Multiple questionnaire items were used to assess mental health (i.e., loneliness, happiness, and positive and negative affect) for older adults with diabetes. Multivariate Analysis of Variance was utilized to investigate the relationships between the fixed variable (i.e., LTPA) and outcome variables (i.e., mental health). We categorized LTPA participation into three groups (i.e., low, mid, high) and examined mental health following a different level of LTPA participation. LTPA participation showed a significant group mean differences for loneliness, happiness, and positive affect, but not for negative affect. High-LTPA respondents presented lower loneliness) and higher happiness than Low-LTPA respondents. High-LTPA and Mid-LTPA respondents indicated higher positive affect than Low-LTPA respondents. This study provides evidence of the benefits of LTPA on mental health for older adults with diabetes. Our study supports the evidence that high-LPTA involvement can be effective in promoting mental health among older adults with diabetes in the COVID-19 era.

What Determines Korea's Health Aid Allocation: Altruistic, Economic, or COVID-19 Motivations?

With the disproportionate impact of the global pandemic on developing countries, health aid has become crucial in improving people's health and well-being more than ever. Reflecting developing countries' needs, Korea, like other donors, made significant contributions to support the global COVID-19 response. Considering the increased amount and importance of the health sector in Korea's foreign aid, this article aims to investigate the motivations of Korea's total bilateral aid and bilateral health aid using panel data of 128 developing countries from 2006 to 2021 with the random-effects panel Tobit model. The time frame was divided into three periods, 2006-2009, 2010-2019 and 2020-2021, to test Korea's aid determinants pre- and post-pandemic outbreak. No notable changes in Korea's aid allocation pattern were found before and after the pandemic. Instead, Korea seemed to have mixed motives of donor interest and recipients' needs in specific periods. However, a priority partner country was consistently identified as an influential factor in Korea's aid. © Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2022.

The Impact of Multimodal Communication on Learners' Experience in a Synchronous Online Environment: A Mixed-Methods Study

During the COVID-19 pandemic, from early 2020 onwards, the adoption of synchronous online learning increased rapidly. It offers students a unique learning experience, utilizing communication modes from both in-person and asynchronous online classes. This mixed-methods study examined the impact of modes of communication (visual, bodily behaviors, spoken language, and written language) found in synchronous online contexts on students' learning experiences from the perspective of social presence and teaching presence, as well as their satisfaction with synchronous online learning experience. An online survey was distributed first to collect quantitative data. The survey results indicated that four different modes influenced students' communication to a different extent, with written and spoken language being the most effective modes of online communication. These modes were also significantly positively correlated with social presence, teaching presence, and student satisfaction;however, only spoken language was a significant predictor of student satisfaction. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted to examine students' perceptions of how multimodality affects social presence, teaching presence, and satisfaction with online learning. This led to five major themes and highlighted how multiple modes of communication supports social presence, thereby helping teachers scaffold students. In addition, the online learning context impacts type of instruction, and the reduced distance between teachers and students improves teaching presence;however, the students felt a lack of affective belonging in their online classes. This study also provided implications for course instructors and designers to help them effectively adopt different modes in synchronous online environments and promote social and teaching presence. © 2022, The Online Learning Consortium. All rights reserved.

A Study on the Effect of Customer Usage on the Intention of Continuously Coffee Brand App based on UTAUT Model

Due to the spread of COVID-19, the use of mobile applications is increasing in coffee shops as activities that have been conducted face-to-face are being carried out non-face-to-face. The purpose of this paper is to make strategic suggestions to positively improve the continuous use intention of coffee shop mobile applications by checking the effect of the expanded integrated technology acceptance model and online review. An online survey was conducted on mobile and statistical analysis used the PLS structural equation model. As a result, it is expected that the satisfaction with the use of coffee shop applications and the influence of online reviews in customer experience will recognize positive values, affect the intention to continue using them © 2022 IEEE.

Impact of the Risk Perception of COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity and Body Weight in CKD Patients

Background: The recent novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to restrictions in physical activity. We evaluated the impact of risk perception on physical activity, and its impact on kidney function in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients during the pandemic. Method(s): A population of CKD patients registered in a SKETCH (Study on Kidney disease and EnvironmenTal Chemicals, Clinical Trial No. NCT04679168) cohort recruited from June 2020 to October 2020 was included in the study. Patients were followed-up every 3 months for a year. We obtained risk perception and physical activity information by a questionnaire survey. Physical exercise, 3-times/week, was categorized into three groups according to the frequency of positive response during 5 visits: group 1, 0-2;group 2, 3-4;group 3, 5. We used Logistic regression analysis to identify the significance of risk perception to physical activity. The cox-proportional hazard model was used to identify the significance of physical activity for kidney function. Result(s): A total of 262 patients were included, and the mean age was 60.5+/-12.8 years old. Mean eGFR was 43.4+/-20.9 mL/min/1.73 m2, and there were 220 (84.0%) with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m2. There were 122 (46.6%) of patients who showed higher risk perception for COVID-19 infection. After adjustment with age, sex, comorbidities, and laboratory results, higher risk perception was significantly associated with decreased physical activity (adjusted OR 0.44, 95% CI, 0.23, 0.84). During 364.8+/-38.6 days, 52 (19.8%) patients showed decreased kidney function with decreasing eGFR >=30%. Group 1 showed a significantly increased risk for kidney dysfunction (adjusted HR 3.36, 95% CI 1.23, 9.20). This result was prominent in age over 60, male sex, patients with hypertension. Conclusion(s): Decreased physical activity related to higher risk-perception, and that was significantly increased risk for kidney dysfunction. Healthcare provider needs to consider a new strategy to encourage physical activity irrespective of risk perception.

Impact of Metabolic Acidosis on All-Cause Mortality in Patients With COVID-19

Background: Low total CO2 (tCO2) levels are significantly associated with allcause mortality. Lots of factors are related to the poor prognosis of COVID-19, it was a lack of data to evaluate the impact of tCO2. We evaluated the impact of metabolic acidosis on all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19. Method(s): We retrospectively reviewed the data from two independent hospitals that care for admitted patients with COVID-19 between February 2020 and September 2021. We excluded subjects with underlying end-stage kidney disease, no data of tCO2 value, and age under 18 years old. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. We evaluate the impact of tCO2 as a continuous variable on mortality using the Cox-proportional hazard model. In addition, we tried to find the relative value of tCO2 to increase the risk of mortality using a generalized additive model. We also evaluated the impact of such a value of tCO2 and 22mEq/L of tCO2 on mortality. Result(s): A total of 4,423 patients were included, and the mean age was 54.7+/-18.3 years old. Mean tCO2 was 26.2+/-3.6 mEq/L, and there were 792 (17.9%) with tCO2 <22 mEq/L. Increased in 1 mEq/L of tCO2 significantly decreased risk for all-cause mortality after adjustment with age, sex, history of hypertension, diabetes, and laboratory results such as serum white blood count, hemoglobin, platelet, calcium, phosphate, albumin, and eGFR (adjusted HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91, 0.99). We found that the level of 24 mEq/L of tCO2 as a cut-off value to increase risk of mortality. In the Cox-proportional hazard model, the risk of all-cause mortality was significantly increased by around 1.6 times in subjects with lower tCO2 irrespective of the cut-off value of 22 or 24 mEq/L. Conclusion(s): Decreased tCO2 significantly increased the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19. Monitoring of tCO2 could be a good indicator to predict prognosis, and it needs to be considered to encourage in patients with a specific condition.

Walvis Ridge Hotspot: drilling Walvis Ridge, Southeast Atlantic Ocean, to test models of ridge-hotspot interaction, isotopic zonation, and the hotspot reference frame

Hotspot tracks (quasilinear chains of seamounts, ridges, and other volcanic structures) provide important records of plate motions, as well as mantle geodynamics, magma flux, and mantle source compositions. The Tristan-Gough-Walvis Ridge (TGW) hotspot track, extending from the active volcanic islands of Tristan da Cunha and Gough through a province of guyots and then along Walvis Ridge to the Etendeka flood basalt province, forms one of the most prominent and complex global hotspot tracks. The TGW hotspot track displays a tight linear age progression in which ages increase from the islands to the flood basalts (covering ~135 My). Unlike Pacific tracks, which are simple chains of seamounts that are often compared to chains of pearls, the TGW track is alternately a steep-sided narrow ridge, an oceanic plateau, subparallel linear ridges and chains of seamounts, and areas of what appear to be randomly dispersed seamounts. The track displays isotopic zonation over the last ~70 My. The zonation appears near the middle of the track just before it splits into two to three chains of ridge- and guyot-type seamounts. The older ridge is also overprinted with age-progressive late-stage volcanism, which was emplaced ~30–40 My after the initial eruptions and has a distinct isotopic composition. The plan for Expedition 391 was to drill at six sites, three along Walvis Ridge and three in the seamount (guyot) province, to gather igneous rocks to better understand the formation of track edifices, the temporal and geochemical evolution of the hotspot, and the variation in paleolatitudes at which the volcanic edifices formed. After a delay of 18 days to address a shipboard outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus, Expedition 391 proceeded to drill at four of the proposed sites: three sites on the eastern Walvis Ridge around Valdivia Bank, an ocean plateau within the ridge, and one site on the lower flank of a guyot in the Center track, a ridge located between the Tristan subtrack (which extends from the end of Walvis Ridge to the island of Tristan da Cunha) and the Gough subtrack (which extends from Walvis Ridge to the island of Gough). One hole was drilled at Site U1575, located on a low portion of the northeastern Walvis Ridge north of Valdivia Bank. At this location, 209.9 m of sediments and 122.4 m of igneous basement were cored. The latter comprised 10 submarine lava units consisting of pillow, lobate, sheet, and massive lava flows, the thickest of which was ~21 m. Most lavas are tholeiitic, but some alkalic basalts were recovered. A portion of the igneous succession consists of low-Ti basalts, which are unusual because they appear in the Etendeka flood basalts but have not been previously found on Walvis Ridge. Two holes were drilled at Site U1576 on the west flank of Valdivia Bank. The first hole was terminated because a bit jammed shortly after penetrating igneous basement. Hole U1576A recovered a remarkable ~380 m thick sedimentary section consisting mostly of chalk covering a nearly complete sequence from Paleocene to Late Cretaceous (Campanian). These sediments display short and long cyclic color changes that imply astronomically forced and longer term paleoenvironmental changes. The igneous basement yielded 11 submarine lava units ranging from pillows to massive flows, which have compositions varying from tholeiitic basalt to basaltic andesite, the first occurrence of this composition recovered from the TGW track. These units are separated by seven sedimentary chalk units that range in thickness from 0.1 to 11.6 m, implying a long-term interplay of sedimentation and lava eruptions. Coring at Site U1577, on the extreme eastern flank of Valdivia Bank, penetrated a 154 m thick sedimentary section, the bottom ~108 m of which is Maastrichtian–Campanian (possibly Santonian) chalk with vitric tephra layers. Igneous basement coring progressed only 39.1 m below the sediment-basalt contact, recovering three massive submarine tholeiite basalt lava flows that are 4.1, 15.5, and >19.1 m thick, respectively. Paleomag etic data from Sites U1577 and U1576 indicate that their volcanic basements formed just before the end of the Cretaceous Normal Superchron and during Chron 33r, shortly afterward, respectively. Biostratigraphic and paleomagnetic data suggest an east–west age progression across Valdivia Bank, becoming younger westward. Site U1578, located on a Center track guyot, provided a long and varied igneous section. After coring through 184.3 m of pelagic carbonate sediments mainly consisting of Eocene and Paleocene chalk, Hole U1578A cored 302.1 m of igneous basement. Basement lavas are largely pillows but are interspersed with sheet and massive flows. Lava compositions are mostly alkalic basalts with some hawaiite. Several intervals contain abundant olivine, and some of the pillow stacks consist of basalt with remarkably high Ti content. The igneous sequence is interrupted by 10 sedimentary interbeds consisting of chalk and volcaniclastics and ranging in thickness from 0.46 to 10.19 m. Paleomagnetic data display a change in basement magnetic polarity ~100 m above the base of the hole. Combining magnetic stratigraphy with biostratigraphic data, the igneous section is inferred to span >1 My. Abundant glass from pillow lava margins was recovered at Sites U1575, U1576, and U1578. Although the igneous penetration was only two-thirds of the planned amount, drilling during Expedition 391 obtained samples that clearly will lead to a deeper understanding of the evolution of the Tristan-Gough hotspot and its track. Relatively fresh basalts with good recovery will provide ample samples for geochemical, geochronologic, and paleomagnetic studies. Good recovery of Late Cretaceous and early Cenozoic chalk successions provides samples for paleoenvironmental study. © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.

OA Biology

Purpose: The field of osteoarthritis (OA) biology is rapidly evolving and brilliant progress has been made this year as well. Methods: Landmark studies of OA biology published in 2021 and early 2022 were selected through PubMed searches and classified by their molecular mechanisms, and it was largely divided into the intra-cellular mechanisms and the inter-compartment or inter-cellular interaction in OA progression. Results: The intra-cellular mechanisms involving OA progression included 1) Piezo1/TRPV4-mediated calcium signaling, 2) low grade inflammation by TLR-CD14-LBP complex and IKKβ-NFkB signaling, 3) PGRN/TNFR2/14-3-3ε/Elk-1 anabolic cascade, 4) G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, 5) mechanical loading-cilia/Ift88-hedgehog signaling, 6) mitochondrial fission by ERK1/2-DRP1 pathway, and 7) hypoxia-DOT1L-H3K79 methylation pathway. The studies on inter-compartment or inter-cellular interaction in OA progression included the following subjects: 1) the anabolic role of Lubricin, a proteoglycan from superficial zone cells, 2) osteoclast-chondrocyte interaction via exosomal miRNA and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), 3) αV integrin-mediated TGFβ activation by mechanical loading, 4) TGFβ-mediated suppression of sclerostin in osteocytes, 5) catabolic role of Flightless I as a DAMPs-triggering molecule, and 6) catabolic role of paracrine signaling from fat. Conclusions: Despite the disastrous Covid-19 pandemic situation, many outstanding studies have expanded the boundary of OA biology. They give us not only critical insight on pathophysiology, but also clue for the treatment of OA.

Elder abuse in the COVID-19 era based on calls to the National Center on Elder Abuse resource line.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated circumstances that place older adults at higher risk for abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Identifying characteristics of elder abuse during COVID-19 is critically important. This study characterized and compared elder abuse patterns across two time periods, a one-year period during the pandemic, and a corresponding one-year period prior to the start of the pandemic. METHODS: Contacts (including social media contacts, and email; all referred to as "calls" for expediency) made to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) resource line were examined for differences in types of reported elder abuse and characteristics of alleged perpetrators prior to the pandemic (Time 1; March 16, 2018 to March 15, 2019) and during the pandemic (Time 2; March 16, 2020 to March 15, 2021). Calls were examined for whether or not abuse was reported, the types of reported elder abuse, including financial, physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect, and characteristics of callers, victims, and alleged perpetrators. Chi-square tests of independence compared frequencies of elder abuse characteristics between time periods. RESULTS: In Time 1, 1401 calls were received, of which 795 calls (56.7%) described abuse. In Time 2, 1009 calls were received, of which 550 calls (54.5%) described abuse. The difference between time periods in frequency of abuse to non-abuse calls was not significant ([Formula: see text]). Time periods also did not significantly differ with regard to caller, victim, and perpetrator characteristics. Greater rates of physical abuse ([Formula: see text] and emotional abuse ([Formula: see text] were reported during Time 2 after adjustment for multiple comparisons. An increased frequency of multiple forms of abuse was also found in Time 2 compared to Time 1 ([Formula: see text]. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest differences in specific elder abuse subtypes and frequency of co-occurrence between subtypes between time periods, pointing to a potential increase in the severity of elder abuse during COVID-19.

Emergency response report of a positive COVID-19 nucleic test case

Background: Eight pm on April 13, 2022,a10:1 mixed test tube was found to be positive in the COVID-19 nucleic acid test site set up outside the hospital. In order to identify the infected case and control the spread of COVID-19 rapidly, we conducted this emergency investigation. Methods: According to the National COVID-19 Control and Prevention Protocol (8th edition), Guideline on Emergency Response to COVID-19 Case Found in Hospital in Shandong Province, and the Emergency Response Plan for COVID-19 in our hospital, information reporting, hospitalblockading, potential COVID- 19 cases tracing, close contact screening, environmental sampling and disinfecting, COVID-19 nucleic acid testing and risk assessment were carried out by our team. Results: A female COVID-19 case aged 50 years was identified. She is aodd-jobber who works in the labour market near the hospital. The virus strain was sequenced as Omicron BA.2. A total of 65 close contacts was controlled in a hotel. The COVID-19 nucleic acid test results for all the staff of hospital, environmental samples were negative. The risk of COVID-19 spread was controlled and the hospital restarted of clinical activities as normal at 8 am on April 14 after blockaded for 12 hours. Inthe following 7 days, the staff of the hospital were tested for COVID-19 nucleic acid twice a day, and the results were negative. Then the testing frequency changed to once a day. Conclusion: Formulating detailed and feasible COVID-19 emergency response plans based on the requirements of the public documents and the actual conditions of the hospital, is useful to improve the efficiency of emergency response to COVID-19 cases and save time for control of COVID-19 spread and restart the clinical activities of hospital. © 2022 Shandong Yinbao Technology Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.