Exploration of tolerance of unfairness under COVID-19 mortality salience and its effect on epidemic development

COVID-19 has brought awareness of the daily threat of death to everyone in the world and provided a natural context for raising widespread awareness of the salience of mortality. Previous researchers have found that mortality salience has rendered proposers more likely to make a fair offer in the dictator and ultimatum game, but there has been no study focusing on the psychological changes in the responders. Study 1 was an exploratory study of the effect of mortality salience on the threshold for acceptance of unfair offers, comparing the effect of unnatural deaths, such as those caused by COVID-19, and that of natural deaths, such as those caused by aging. The results showed that COVID-19 mortality salience could lower the acceptance threshold in responders, thus increasing their tolerance of unfairness, while the mortality salience from aging would not. In Study 2, we established an evolutionary game model to simulate the influences of tolerance of unfairness in allocation of resources on epidemic spread using agent-based modeling. The study compared two societies with different levels of the fear of death, and the results showed that the society with a relatively high death fear would produce more inequality in distribution by increasing the tolerance of unfairness. This ultimately leads to worse pandemic conditions and slower control of the spread in the first stage of the pandemic. © The Author(s) 2023.

GeauxTrace: A Scalable Privacy-Protecting Contact Tracing App Design Using Blockchain

Contact tracing is the approach to identifying physical contact between human beings using a variety of data such as personal details and locations to discover the potential infection of diseases. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, contact tracing has been used extensively to quarantine the people at risk to stop the spread. Moreover, the data collected during contact tracing are typical spatiotemporal data, which can be used to study the disease and discover the spread pattern. However, both traditional labor-intensive and modern digital-based approaches have limitations in terms of cost and privacy concerns. In this paper, we proposed GeauxTrace, a Blockchain-based privacy-protecting contact tracing platform, which separates private data from proof of contact. Sensitive data collected by the front-end app via Bluetooth-based methods are stored locally, and only the proofs of contacts are uploaded onto the immutable private blockchain, which forms a global contact graph at the backend. Our approach not only enables multi-hop risky users to be notified but also reveals the infection patterns via the global graph, which could help study diseases and assist the policymaker. Our implementation shows the feasibility of the proposed platform in real-world scenarios and achieves the performance of 20-30 user requests per second. © 2022 IEEE.

Optimal low-carbon governance model of livestreaming supply chain based on multiple scenarios

Supply chain emissions reduction is an important way to promote the development of a low-carbon economy and address climate challenges. Although the scale of livestream shopping has demonstrated unprecedented growth globally, especially since the COVID-19 outbreak, livestreaming supply chains have also contributed significantly to carbon emissions. Currently, optimisation models for the low-carbon governance of livestreaming supply chains are relatively lacking. To address the issue of carbon emission reduction in livestreaming supply chains, this study paper proposes three low-carbon governance decision-making models based on environmental and operating costs to compare which governance model is optimal. The most suitable decision result for the policymaker and supply chain is both cost-effective and environmentally successful under the model considering carbon tax and carbon trade. The results show that 1) governance based only on carbon tax and collaborative operation will decrease the total cost of the livestreaming supply chain but increase the environmental cost. 2) Governance based only on carbon trading and collaborative operation will increase the total cost of the livestreaming supply chain, while the environmental cost will not change. 3) Under governance that combines carbon tax and carbon trading, collaborative operations can effectively reduce both the total cost and the environmental cost of livestreaming supply chains. Theoretically, our study enriches the research on the low-carbon governance of livestreaming supply chains. Moreover, the research results provide useful insights into the formulation of a low-carbon policy for livestreaming supply chains.

Mechanism of "Child prevention prescription" of Hunan province in prevention and treatment of COVID-19 based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

To analyze the mechanism of novel coronavirus prevention prescription in Hunan province by using network pharmacology method. Methods TCMSP, Batman-TCM and ETCM were used to retrieve drug composition and target information, and GeneCards, OMIM, DrugBank, TTD and PharmGkb were used to screen disease targets. The visualization network diagram of "drug-active component-target" was constructed by Cytoscape, the protein interaction network was drawn by STRING, the core targets of PPI network were analyzed by CytoNCA, GO function and KEGG pathway were analyzed, and the mechanism of action was predicted. Results A total of 418 active ingredients, 1 715 drug targets, 1 289 disease targets and 266 intersection targets were screened out. Quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, baicalein, ursolic acid and naringin were identified as the key components, and 6 core targets were obtained: RELA, AKT1, STAT3, JUN, MAPK1 and MAPK3. The results of molecular docking showed that the binding potential and activity of the key active ingredients to the core target were good. Conclusions "Child prevention formula" has the characteristics of multi-target, multi-approach and multi-faceted prevention and treatment, which plays a role in prevention and treatment of COVID-19 among children. Copyright © 2022 Publication Centre of Anhui Medical University. All rights reserved.

The Systematic Traceability and Analysis of Covid-19

The traceability of COVID-19 is of great importance for Epidemiological implications. Two robust and non-parametric traceability methods were employed in the study to evaluate COVID-19's traceability for the prevention of epidemics. We first corrected the initial dates for eight countries using Solow and smith's method, and then the OLE method was applied to the corrected dataset for traceability. Our model suggests that the first global case of COVID19 originated on 25 September 2019 (95%CI 23 September) and that the first case emerged in Europe and spread rapidly to neighbouring countries, expanding globally in early January 2021. Our study suggests that the spread of the epidemic may be more rapid and earlier than we thought. The two methods we use can be used in a robust traceability approach for small sample estimates, providing additional explanations for epidemic traceability studies.

Six new species of Zaischnopsis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Eupelmidae) from China based on morphological and molecular data

Six new species of Zaischnopsis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) from China are described, Zaischnopsis covid Jiang & Peng sp. nov., Zaischnopsis fuscolivida Tang & Peng sp. nov., Zaischnopsis lii Jiang & Peng sp. nov., Zaischnopsis pacis Jiang & Peng sp. nov., Zaischnopsis campaniformis Tang & Peng sp. nov., and Zaischnopsis zhongi Jiang & Peng sp. nov. All the new species are described and illustrated based on females, and partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences are provided for the six new species as well as for the previously described Z. fumosa Peng & Xiang. Females of all the species of Zaischnopsis recorded from China are differentiated in a key. © 2022, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle. All rights reserved.

V-Pods: Rapid, Sensitive Detection of Intact SARS-CoV-2 using DNA Nets and a Smartphone-Linked Fluorimeter

Rapid, simple, inexpensive, and sensitive self-testing for SARS-CoV-2 is expected to be an important element of controlling the ongoing COVID pandemic. We report a novel approach in which saliva is mixed at room temperature with a Designer DNA Nanostructure (DDN) engineered to create a net-like structure that positions an array of highly specific nucleic acid aptamer-quencher locks at the locations of the trimeric spike proteins. When the spike proteins selectively unlock aptamers on the DDN, fluorescent reporter molecules are unquenched, generating an intense and easily measured optical signal. The fluorescence intensity, proportional to the virus concentration, is detected by a battery-powered palmsized fluorimeter, whose functions are managed wirelessly with a Bluetooth-linked smartphone. Because the single-step, room temperature, test is performed in a conventional 0.2 mL PCR tube that is inserted into the fluorimeter, which resembles an Apple AirPodsT headphone case, we call the technology (DDN+fluorimeter+App) a "V-Pod." We show that DDNs are highly specific only for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in both its initial form as well as common variants. The approach achieves a detection limit of 10,000 genome copies/mL, consistent with laboratory-based PCR, while requiring only one reagent and a 5-10 minute incubation time with saliva. Because DDNs are inexpensively synthesized, structurally stable nucleic acid constructs, and the V-Pod instrument is comprised of inexpensive electronic and photonic components, the approach offers potential for rapid self-monitoring of viral infection with integrated capability for contact tracing and interaction with health services.

Broad and Potent Activity Against Sars-Like Viruses by an Engineered Human Monoclonal Antibody

The recurrent zoonotic spillover of coronaviruses (CoVs) into the human population underscores the need for broadly active countermeasures. We employed a directed evolution approach to engineer three SARS-CoV-2 antibodies for enhanced neutralization breadth and potency. One of the affinity-matured variants, ADG-2, displays strong binding activity to a large panel of sarbecovirus receptor binding domains (RBDs) and neutralizes representative epidemic sarbecoviruses with high potency. Structural and biochemical studies demonstrate that ADG-2 employs a distinct angle of approach to recognize a highly conserved epitope overlapping the receptor binding site. In immunocompetent mouse models of SARS and COVID-19, prophylactic administration of ADG-2 provided complete protection against respiratory burden, viral replication in the lungs, and lung pathology. Altogether, ADG-2 represents a promising broad-spectrum therapeutic candidate against clade 1 sarbecoviruses.

Statistical analysis of fuel cell electric vehicles

With the promotion of electrification of transportation, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) begin to flourish in recent years. FCEVs operate with zero emission and excellent fuel economy, but high cost and incomplete infrastructure hinder the popularization further. Targeting resources are poured into this area by some governments worldwide. To foster the development, it is essential to study the use of FCEVs. Based on the Service and Management center for EVs (SMC-EV), this work conducts a statistical analysis of the market scales, the operation conditions, such as user login statistics, driving distance and refueling behavior and the impact of the occurrence of the Covid-19 pandemic. The analysis results provide essential support to predict the subsequent development of FCEVs and guide the policymaking and the construction of hydrogen refueling stations. © 2022 SPIE. All rights reserved.

High-affinity, neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 can be made without T follicular helper cells

[Figure: see text].

Between a clot and a hard place: Unusual COVID-19 thromboses in patients with liver disease

Introduction: It is established that COVID-19 predisposes patients to arterial and venous thrombotic disease,1 though the exact mechanism is unknown. Cases of PE and DVT are well described, while arterial and multi-vessel thromboses are rare.2 We report COVID-19 associated hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) and portal and superior mesenteric vein (PV;SMV) thrombosis, both resulting in compromised liver function. Case Description/Methods: A 47-year-old man with a history of remote orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for HBV cirrhosis presented to the ED with two days of RUQ pain and vomiting. Physical exam revealed tenderness to palpation in the RUQ. Labs were normal, including liver synthetic function. COVID-19 nasopharyngeal swab was positive. CT of the abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast revealed complete acute thrombosis of the aortohepatic conduit near its origin, new from imaging six months prior. He received remdesivir and methylprednisolone and was discharged on a DOAC. A 57-year-old man with a history of Lynch syndrome and decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis presented to the ED with 3 days of LUQ pain, melena, coffee ground emesis and subjective fever. Physical exam and vital signs were normal. Labs showed Hgb 5.4 and WBC 15.2. COVID-19 nasopharyngeal swab was positive. CT of the abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast revealed extensive PV and SMV thrombosis. The patient was treated with pRBC, PPI, octreotide, and empiric antibiotics. He was given IV heparin and bridged to warfarin. Discussion: Thrombosis is a serious complication of COVID-19 infection. While there are known macrovascular thrombotic events associated with COVID-19, there are no reports of HAT, and one reported case of PV and SMV thrombosis. It is important to evaluate for thromboses in patients with cirrhosis or prior OLT and COVID-19 due to elevated thrombotic risk. Thromboses in these patients can compromise blood supply and further worsen liver function.

Chest CT imaging characteristics and their evolution of 48 patients with COVID-19 in Hengyang, China

The novel coronavirus 2019 (2019 nCoV), appeared in Wuhan in December 2019, can cause a novel coronavirus pneumonia (Corona Virus Disease 2019, COVID-19). COVID-19 is highly infectious and easy to infect people. The epidemic has gradually spread to all parts of the country. In order to provide a basis for clinical diagnosis, this study retrospectively analyzed the imaging characteristics, evolution and related imaging manifestations of COVID-19 patients in different stages of the disease. The results suggest that the imaging findings of 48 COVID-19 patients from Hengyang, Hunan Province are comparable in different stages of the disease. Chest CT showed no pneumonia in one mild patient. Chest CT findings of moderate type (n=38) and severe type (n=9) had comparable characteristics. The main manifestations were ground-glass opacity (GGO) (18/38, 47.37%;1/9, 11.11%), and GGO with consolidation (16/38, 42.11%;5/9, 55.56%), which respectively presented in bilateral lungs (34/38, 89.47%;9/9, 100.00%), and multi-lobe distribution (involving 5 lobes) (17/38, 44.74%;8/9, 88.89%). After treatment, 28 patients were isolated for 14 days and returned to the hospital for re-examination;among them, the pulmonary lesion was completely absorbed in 15 moderate patients, while 13 patients mainly manifested as GGO. The CT imaging findings of patients with COVID-19 can detect the lesions early, observe the scope of the lesions, evaluate the severity of the lesions, and assist the clinician in completing rapid isolation, diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, it can help to understand the performance of COVID-19 in different stages and dynamically detect changes in the patient's condition.

The association between COVID-19-related employment challenges and students' dietary intake in the United States

Introduction: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected income levels, employment status, and food intakes globally. In the United States (US), many university students work to fund their studies. The objective of this study was to assess the number of students whose work hours and income were affected by COVID-19 and to investigate if these factors were associated with dietary intake. Methods: An online questionnaire was administered using Qualtrics to 280 students at a public research university in Texas between November 2020 and March 2021. Chi-square tests of independence were performed on R version 4.0.3. Results: Preliminary analysis found that 45.2% had a change in income or employment status that was related to COVID-19 and 36.9% of the students had experienced a COVID-19 related reduction in working hours. There was an association between reduced working hours and fast-food intake (X2 =12.494, p = 0.014). Additionally, COVID-related changes in income/ employment status were associated with snack and dessert consumption (X2 = 21.06, p = 0.021). No significant associations were found between either income/employment status or reduced working hours, and home-cooked meals or fruit and vegetable intake. Conclusion: The results suggest that employment challenges related to COVID-19 have an association with students' dietary intake, specifically in relation to higher calorie foods such as snacks, desserts, and fast food.

Gadget Use, Pocket Money, and Snacking Habits of Children with and without Overweight/Obesity Problem in Surabaya, Indonesia

Introduction: Overweight and obesity in children is a global health problem among children of all ages. Based on the Indonesia Basic Health Research, overweight problems in children aged 5 12 years was still high, 18.8% were overweight and 8.8% were obese. In developing countries, the rate increased obesity and overweight in children 30% higher than developed countries. Aims: Our study aims to identify the relationship between gadgets use and pocket money with school children s nutritional status. Methods: This research was a cross-sectional study involving 672 schoolchildren randomly selected from ten elementary schools in Surabaya City, Indonesia. Data about duration of gadget use, pocket money, and snacking habit were assessed using structured questionnaire. Body weight and height were directly measured to calculate the subject s nutritional status using digital weight scale and stadiometer. Statistical analysis done in this study was Chi-square test to assess the relationship between variable tested. Results: The results showed that 38.8% of participants were overweight. 71.9% children were having gadget use for more than 2 hours/day, exceeding the recommended time use. Duration of gadget use and pocket money were significantly correlated with the nutritional status of school children (p 0.001). Snacking habits at home (p=0.302) and school (p=0.933) were not significantly correlated with nutritional status. Conclusions: Gadget use duration and pocket money proved to be correlated with the increase of nutritional status among schoolchildren. Thus, parents should pay more attention to control gadget use and pocket money to prevent overweight.

Risk Factors and Predictive Scoring System Development for COVID-19 Death

Background: The COVID-19 has become a global epidemic.How to effectively treat it and reduce the fatality rate is still at exploratory stage.Identification of risk factors for death is critical to optimize treatment strategies for COVID-19.Objective: To investigate risk factors for COVID-19 death, and based on this, to develop a COVID-19 death predictive scoring system.Methods: Two hundred and seventy patients, who discharged or deceased with confirmed COVID-19 in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University during January 1 to February 29, 2020, were reviewed.Baseline data were obtained, including demographics, admission symptoms and vital signs, complications and laboratory test results.According to the clinical outcome, i.e.discharged and deceased, the patients were divided into recovery group and death group.Risk factors of death were explored by using multivariate logistic regression analysis, and used for the development of a predictive scoring system for death.Results Two hundred and forty-five cases were finally included, including 212 discharged and 33 deceased during hospitalization.Factors independently associated with death were age ≥ 65 years〔OR=7.177, 95%CI(1.715, 30.038), P<0.05〕, SpO2≤93%〔OR=15.456, 95%CI(3.343, 71.450), P<0.05〕, BUN≥7 mmol/L〔OR=7.115, 95%CI(1.550, 32.652), P<0.05〕, PCT≥0.1 μg/L〔OR=23.895, 95%CI(4.209, 135.639), P<0.05〕.In predicting death due to COVID-19, the AUC of ASBP(A: age, S: SpO2, B: BUN, P: PCT) scoring system was 0.967〔95%CI(0.931, 0.987)〕, and that of CURB-65 scoring system was 0.885〔95%CI(0.831, 0.926)〕, showing a significant difference(Z=2.816, P<0.01).5 was the maximal Youden Index for ASBP scoring system and was chosen as the cut-off value, with 0.871 sensitivity and 0.957 specificity.And 2 was the maximal Youden Index for CURB-65 scoring system and was chosen as the cut-off value, with 0.903 sensitivity and 0.735 specificity.Conclusion: Older age, lower SpO2, higher levels of BUN and PCT were independent risk factors for COVID-19 death, and the ASBP scoring system developed based these factors might be available for the assessment of death risk of COVID-19. Copyright © 2020 by the Chinese General Practice.

Clinical efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine sulfate combined with azithromycin in treatment of patients with refractory common coronavirus disease 2019

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine sulfate combined with azithromycin in the treatment of refractory common coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Methods The clinical data of 11 refractory common COVID-19 patients, who were admitted to Guanggu Branch of Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital of Hubei Province from Mar. 22 to 25, 2020, were retrospectively collected. The patients all received combined treatment regimens: hydroxychloroquine sulfate orally 200 mg three times daily for 7 days;and azithromycin orally 500 mg once daily on day 1 and then 250 mg once daily from day 2 to day 4. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleic acid test of throat swab was performed once daily from day 4 to day 10 after combined administration, and the blood routine and other laboratory indicators were tested within 3 days before administration and on the 8th days after administration. Results All the 11 patients had common COVID-19, seven of them were consistently positive for SARSCoV- 2 nucleic acid test, and four were positive again after negative results. The average course of disease of 11 patients before combined administration was 50.2 days. The treatment process was uneventful. Zero case of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test result turned negative on day 4 after administration, two cases on day 5, two cases on day 6, two cases on day 7, one case on day 8 and one case on day 9. No patients progressed to severe or critical illness, and no severe side effects were found. Conclusion Hydroxychloroquine sulfate combined with azithromycin is safe and effective in the treatment of refractory common COVID-19 patients who have ailed in other treatments and are consistently positive for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid.

[Pathological changes of fatal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the lungs: report of 10 cases by postmortem needle autopsy].

Objectives: To observe the pulmonary changes with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in postmortem needle specimens, to detect the presence of 2019 novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV) in the lung tissues, and to analyze the clinicopathological characteristics. Methods: For 10 decedents with 2019-nCoV infection in Wuhan, bilateral lungs underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous multi-point puncture autopsy, and pulmonary pathological changes were described in routine hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) slides. Electron microscopy was also performed. The reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to detect 2019-nCoV nucleic acid in lung tissue, and the pathological characteristics were demonstrated in combination with clinical data analysis. Results: Of the 10 deaths associated with COVID-19, 7 were male and 3 were female. The average age was 70 (39-87) years. Medical record showed that 7 patients had underlying diseases. The average course of disease was 30 (16-36) days. Nine cases showed fibrinous and suppurative exudation in the alveolar cavity accompanied by the formation of hyaline membrane, and fibroblastic proliferation of alveolar septum. Type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells showed reactive hyperplasia and desquamation. Many macrophages accumulated in the alveolar cavity. Capillary hyaline thrombus and intravascular mixed thrombus were noted. In some cases, acute bronchiolitis with mucous membrane exfoliation, accumulation of bronchiolar secretions, and bronchiolar epithelial metaplasia occurred. In the cohort, a large number of bacteria (cocci) were detected in 1 case and a large number of fungi (yeast type) were detected in 1 case. Nine cases were positive for the nucleic acids of 2019-nCoV while one case remained negative by RT-PCR. Coronavirus particles were detected in the cytoplasm of type Ⅱ alveolar epithelium. Conclusions: The pulmonary pathological changes of fatal COVID-19 are diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), mainly in the acute exudative stage and the organic proliferative stage. There are fibrinous exudate aggregation in alveolar cavity with hyaline membrane formation, fibroblastic proliferation in alveolar septum, and alveolar epithelial cell injuries with reactive hyperplasia and desquamation of type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells. A large amount of neutrophils and monocytes infiltration is present in most cases and bacteria and fungi are detected in some cases, suggesting a serious bacterial or fungal infection secondary to the DAD.

Clinical characteristics of COVID-19-infected cancer patients: a retrospective case study in three hospitals within Wuhan, China.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients are regarded as a highly vulnerable group in the current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To date, the clinical characteristics of COVID-19-infected cancer patients remain largely unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we included cancer patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from three designated hospitals in Wuhan, China. Clinical data were collected from medical records from 13 January 2020 to 26 February 2020. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to assess the risk factors associated with severe events defined as a condition requiring admission to an intensive care unit, the use of mechanical ventilation, or death. RESULTS: A total of 28 COVID-19-infected cancer patients were included; 17 (60.7%) patients were male. Median (interquartile range) age was 65.0 (56.0-70.0) years. Lung cancer was the most frequent cancer type (n = 7; 25.0%). Eight (28.6%) patients were suspected to have hospital-associated transmission. The following clinical features were shown in our cohort: fever (n = 23, 82.1%), dry cough (n = 22, 81%), and dyspnoea (n = 14, 50.0%), along with lymphopaenia (n = 23, 82.1%), high level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (n = 23, 82.1%), anaemia (n = 21, 75.0%), and hypoproteinaemia (n = 25, 89.3%). The common chest computed tomography (CT) findings were ground-glass opacity (n = 21, 75.0%) and patchy consolidation (n = 13, 46.3%). A total of 15 (53.6%) patients had severe events and the mortality rate was 28.6%. If the last antitumour treatment was within 14 days, it significantly increased the risk of developing severe events [hazard ratio (HR) = 4.079, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.086-15.322, P = 0.037]. Furthermore, patchy consolidation on CT on admission was associated with a higher risk of developing severe events (HR = 5.438, 95% CI 1.498-19.748, P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Cancer patients show deteriorating conditions and poor outcomes from the COVID-19 infection. It is recommended that cancer patients receiving antitumour treatments should have vigorous screening for COVID-19 infection and should avoid treatments causing immunosuppression or have their dosages decreased in case of COVID-19 coinfection.