ABSTRACT
In this chapter we explain why it may be appropriate to use a mixed methods research design to address particular research questions. Mixed methods approaches involve at least two different forms of data collection that are combined in one study. Here we focus on a type of mixed methods research protocol called a concurrent nested design in which data from a quantitative survey are combined with qualitative data from in-depth interviews. Using as an example a recent study on prison adjustment and reentry, we explain how to implement a concurrent nested design in the field and why it is a valuable approach to use for certain research questions. Because the example study that we are using was interrupted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we also address how unexpected events that arise during a research endeavor can be handled to ensure the successful completion of a project. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is an elite force for disease prevention and control, serving as the core force for blocking and contain the epidemic. Which plays a central role in fighting COVID-19 epidemic in China. However, during the process, its also exposed some problems: lack of comprehensive capacity building program, fragmented knowledge and skills, epidemiological investigation instrument is outdated, insufficient training on emergency management ability, emphasize investment in infrastructure, equipment and techniques but pay less attention to constantly updating the risk monitoring and alerting system as well as other important coordinating mechanisms, which will affect the well functioning of CDC system. In order to effectively curb the possible rebound of this epidemic and prevent the recurrence of new infectious diseases, we urgently need to reflect and summarize the experience and lessons of this outbreak response, and put forward more targeted policy options for future improvement.Copyright © 2020 Chinese Medical Association. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To compare the efficacy of the combination of abidol, lopinavir/ritonavir plus recombinant interferon alpha-2b (rIFNalpha-2b) and the combination of lopinavir/ritonavir plus rIFNalpha-2b for patients with COVID-19 in Zhejiang province. Method(s): A multicenter prospective study was carried out to compare the efficacy of triple combination antiviral therapy and dual combination antiviral therapy in 15 medical institutions of Zhejiang province during January 22 to February 16, 2020. All patients were treated with rIFNalpha-2b (5 million U, 2 times/d) aerosol inhalation, in addition 196 patients were treated with abidol (200 mg, 3 times/d) + lopinavir/ritonavir (2 tablets, 1 time/12 h) (triple combination group) and 41 patients were treated with lopinavir/ritonavir (2 tablets, 1 time/12 h) (dual combination group). The patients who received triple combination antiviral therapy were further divided into three subgroups: <48 h, 3-5 d and >5 d according the time from the symptom onset to medication starting. The therapeutic efficacy was compared between triple combination group and dual combination group, and compared among 3 subgroups of patients receiving triple combination antiviral therapy. SPSS 17.0 software was used to analyze the data. Result(s): The virus nucleic acid-negative conversion time in respiratory tract specimens was (12.2+/-4.7) d in the triple combination group, which was shorter than that in the dual combination group [(15.0+/-5.0) d] (t=6.159, P<0.01). The length of hospital stay in the triple combination group [12.0 (9.0, 17.0) d] was also shorter than that in the dual combination group [15.0 (10.0, 18.0) d] (H=2.073, P<0.05). Compared with the antiviral treatment which was started within after the symptom onset of in the triple combination group, the time from the symptom onset to the viral negative conversion was 13.0 (10.0, 17.0), 17.0 (13.0, 22.0) and 21.0 (18.0, 24.0) d in subgroups of 48 h, 3-5 d and >5 d, respectively (Z=32.983, P<0.01), while the time from antiviral therapy to viral negative conversion was (11.8+/-3.9), (13.5+/-5.1) and (11.2+/-4.3) d, respectively(Z=6.722, P<0.05). Conclusion(s): The triple combination antiviral therapy of abidol, lopinavir/litonavir and rIFNalpha-2b shows shorter viral shedding time and shorter hospitalization time, compared with the dual combination antiviral therapy;and the earlier starting triple combination antiviral therapy will result in better antiviral efficacy.Copyright © 2020 by the Chinese Medical Association.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To compare the efficacy of the combination of abidol, lopinavir/ritonavir plus recombinant interferon alpha-2b (rIFNalpha-2b) and the combination of lopinavir/ritonavir plus rIFNalpha-2b for patients with COVID-19 in Zhejiang province. Method(s): A multicenter prospective study was carried out to compare the efficacy of triple combination antiviral therapy and dual combination antiviral therapy in 15 medical institutions of Zhejiang province during January 22 to February 16, 2020. All patients were treated with rIFNalpha-2b (5 million U, 2 times/d) aerosol inhalation, in addition 196 patients were treated with abidol (200 mg, 3 times/d) + lopinavir/ritonavir (2 tablets, 1 time/12 h) (triple combination group) and 41 patients were treated with lopinavir/ritonavir (2 tablets, 1 time/12 h) (dual combination group). The patients who received triple combination antiviral therapy were further divided into three subgroups: <48 h, 3-5 d and >5 d according the time from the symptom onset to medication starting. The therapeutic efficacy was compared between triple combination group and dual combination group, and compared among 3 subgroups of patients receiving triple combination antiviral therapy. SPSS 17.0 software was used to analyze the data. Result(s): The virus nucleic acid-negative conversion time in respiratory tract specimens was (12.2+/-4.7) d in the triple combination group, which was shorter than that in the dual combination group [(15.0+/-5.0) d] (t=6.159, P<0.01). The length of hospital stay in the triple combination group [12.0 (9.0, 17.0) d] was also shorter than that in the dual combination group [15.0 (10.0, 18.0) d] (H=2.073, P<0.05). Compared with the antiviral treatment which was started within after the symptom onset of in the triple combination group, the time from the symptom onset to the viral negative conversion was 13.0 (10.0, 17.0), 17.0 (13.0, 22.0) and 21.0 (18.0, 24.0) d in subgroups of 48 h, 3-5 d and >5 d, respectively (Z=32.983, P<0.01), while the time from antiviral therapy to viral negative conversion was (11.8+/-3.9), (13.5+/-5.1) and (11.2+/-4.3) d, respectively(Z=6.722, P<0.05). Conclusion(s): The triple combination antiviral therapy of abidol, lopinavir/litonavir and rIFNalpha-2b shows shorter viral shedding time and shorter hospitalization time, compared with the dual combination antiviral therapy;and the earlier starting triple combination antiviral therapy will result in better antiviral efficacy.Copyright © 2020 by the Chinese Medical Association.
ABSTRACT
Objective This article analyzes the epidemic situation and characteristics of Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Russian Federation (referred to as Russia), summarizes the effective measures and problems exposed by Russia to deal with COVID-19, so as to provide reference for our country's epidemic prevention and control, and seek the direction of cooperation under the background oi Sino Russia scientific and technological innovation in view of public health emergency. Methods The epidemic characteristics and prevention and control measures were analyzed based on the data released by official authoritative news media such as Sputnik News Agency & Radio and Stopcoronavirus Website. Results Russia's first confirmed case was on January 31, 2020 and its first peak of epidemic outbreak was on May 10, 2020. Thanks to a series of prevention and control measures and isolation and detection systems established by the Russia government according with national conditions, such as establishment of COVID-19 medical treatment centers, restrictions on alcohol sales, and the accelerating development of the vaccine and test kit the epidemic was basically controlled at the end of August in 2020. In September, Russia saw the second peak of the outbreak of COVID-19. Conclusions The fatality rate of COVID-19 in Russia has been at a low level. Therefore, its prevention and control measures, experience and even its deficiencies are worth of learning by China. And we should also strengthen cooperation with Russia in the field of vaccine research and development and its clinical trials.Copyright © 2021 Chinese Medical Association. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Objective This article analyzes the epidemic situation and characteristics of Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Russian Federation (referred to as Russia), summarizes the effective measures and problems exposed by Russia to deal with COVID-19, so as to provide reference for our country's epidemic prevention and control, and seek the direction of cooperation under the background oi Sino Russia scientific and technological innovation in view of public health emergency. Methods The epidemic characteristics and prevention and control measures were analyzed based on the data released by official authoritative news media such as Sputnik News Agency & Radio and Stopcoronavirus Website. Results Russia's first confirmed case was on January 31, 2020 and its first peak of epidemic outbreak was on May 10, 2020. Thanks to a series of prevention and control measures and isolation and detection systems established by the Russia government according with national conditions, such as establishment of COVID-19 medical treatment centers, restrictions on alcohol sales, and the accelerating development of the vaccine and test kit the epidemic was basically controlled at the end of August in 2020. In September, Russia saw the second peak of the outbreak of COVID-19. Conclusions The fatality rate of COVID-19 in Russia has been at a low level. Therefore, its prevention and control measures, experience and even its deficiencies are worth of learning by China. And we should also strengthen cooperation with Russia in the field of vaccine research and development and its clinical trials.Copyright © 2021 Chinese Medical Association. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To invetigate the influencing factors and clinical significance of liver function damage (LFD) in patients diagnosed with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Method(s): The retrospective case-control study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 51 patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to the Sino-French New City Branch of Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Huazhong University of Science and Technology by the 5th group assisting team from the First Hospital of Jilin University from February 9th to 27th in 2020 were collected. There were 27 males and 24 females, aged from 36 to 86 years, with an average age of 68 years. The treatment modality was according to the diagnostic and therapeutic guideline for COVID-19 (Trial 6th edition) issued by National Health Commission. Observation indicators: (1) clinical data of patients;(2) analysis of liver function index and treatment of LFD;(3) analysis of influencing factors for LFD. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean+/-SD, and measurement data with skewed distribution were described as M (range). Count data were described as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the chi-square test. The Logistic regression method was used for univariate analysis. Result(s): (1) Clinical data of patients: of the 51 patients, 21 were classified as ordinary type of COVID-19, 19 as severe type and 11 as critical type. In terms of medical history, 31 patients suffered from more than or equal to one kind of chronic disease, 20 had no history of chronic disease. Thirteen patients had the drinking history and 38 had no drinking history. Seven patients were hepatitis positive and 44 were hepatitis negative. Five patients had septic shock at admission, 5 had systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and 41 had neither shock nor SIRS. The body mass index (BMI), time from onset to admission, temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate of the 51 patients were (24+/-3)kg/m2, (13+/-5)days, 36.5 (range, 36.0-38.1 ), 82 times/minutes (range, 50-133 times/minutes), 20 times/minutes (range, 12-40 times/minutes). The white blood cell count, level of creatinine, and level of b-type natriuretic peptide within 24 hours after admission were 6.3x109/L [range, (2.2-21.7)x109/L], 75 mumol/L (range, 44-342 mumol/L), 214 ng/L (range, 5-32 407 ng/L). (2) Analysis of liver function index and treatment of LFD: the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct bilirubin (DBil), indirect bilirubin (IBil), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) were 31 U/L (range, 7-421 U/L), 29 U/L (range, 15-783 U/L), 36 U/L (range, 13-936 U/L), 76 U/L (range, 41-321 U/L), 4.9 mumol/L (range, 2.6-14.3 mumol/L), 5.8 mumol/L (range, 2.6-23.9 mumol/L), 37.2 s (range, 30.9-77.1 s), 13.9 s (range, 12.5-26.7 s), respectively. The percentages of cases with abnormal ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, DBil, IBil, APTT and PT were 47.1%(24/51), 47.1%(24/51), 35.3%(18/51), 13.7%(7/51), 7.8%(4/51), 2.0%(1/51), 21.6%(11/51), and 19.6%(10/51), respectively. Of the 51 patients, LFD was detected in 10 patients classified as ordinary type, in 9 patients as severe type, and in 10 as critical type, respectively. In the 51 patients, 1 of 22 patients with normal liver function developed respiratory failure and received mechanical ventilation within 24 hours after admission, while 9 of 29 patients with abnormal liver function developed respiratory failure and received mechanical ventilation, showing a significant difference between the two groups (chi2=5.57, P<0.05). (3) Analysis of influencing factors for LFD. Results of univariate analysis showed that clinical classification of COVID-19 as critical type was a related factor for LFD of patients (odds ratio=10.000, 95% confidence interval: 1.050-95.231, P<0.05). Conclusion(s): COVID-19 patients with LFD are more susceptible to develop respiratory failure. The clinical classification of COVID-19 as critic l type is a related factor for LFD of patients.Copyright © 2020 by the Chinese Medical Association.
ABSTRACT
Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that can selectively bind to a specific target. They are generally obtained by SELEX, but the procedure is challenging and time-consuming. Moreover, the identified aptamers tend to be insufficient in stability, specificity, and affinity. Thus, only a handful of aptamers have entered the practical use stage. Recently, computational approaches have demonstrated a significant capacity to assist in the discovery of high-performance aptamers. This review discusses the advances achieved in several aspects of computational tools in this field, as well as the new progress in machine learning and deep learning, which are used in aptamer identification and optimization. To illustrate these computationally aided processes, aptamer selections against SARS-CoV-2 are discussed in detail as a case study. We hope that this review will aid and motivate researchers to develop and utilize more computational techniques to discover ideal aptamers effectively. Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the potential regulatory mechanism of Xuebijing injection in the treatment of COVID-19 by using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods. Methods Corresponding target genes of all the active ingredients of Xuebijing injection were obtained by using the pharmacological database and analysis platform of TCM System (TCMSP). And intersections with the COVID-19 gene-related targets in GeneCards database, OMIM database, PharmGkb database, TTD database and DrugBank database using the R programming language. Thus, the core target of Xubijing injection in COVID-19 treatment was obtained;Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct TCM - compound - target network;PPI network of intersection target was obtained by STRING;Utilized data packets to perform gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis to predict the mechanism of overlapping targets. Finally, molecular docking technology was implemented to dock key active ingredients with PPI core protein. Results GO functional enrichment analysis included 1 818 biological processes (BP), 20 cellular components (CC) and 89 molecular functions (MF). The first 30 KEGG related pathways involved inflammation and immune response, such as rheumatoid arthritis signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, Th17 cell differentiation pathway, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1) signaling pathway, JAK-Stat signaling pathway, inflammatory bowel disease signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, etc. Quercetin, cryptotanshinone, luteolin, β -carotene can affect IL1B, STAT3, AKT1, VEGFA and other overlapping targets. Meanwhile, quercetin may exert anti-inflammatory, antiviral and immune responses through IL1B binding to treat COVID-19. Conclusion This study reveals that chemical components in Xuebijing injection are involved in multiple biological processes and pathways in COVID-19 treatment through binding to key target proteins. © 2022. China Tropical Medicine. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
With the outbreak of the COVID-19, people are eager to develop potential drugs for specific diseases through efficient technological means. Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become one of the top ten causes of death in the world and is a typical neurodegenerative disease. When acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is inhibited, it improves the transmission of cholinergic neurotransmitters in patients and restores cognitive function, so acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) are often considered by researchers as potential drugs for the treatment of AD. Machine learning algorithms and data mining techniques can accelerate drug development and reduce the cost of biological experiments, so it is of great significance to develop models that can accurately predict AChEIs. However, few studies have applied efficient and mature ensemble learning methods to the problem of predicting potential inhibitors of AChE. In this study, we constructed a dataset from a publicly available biological experiment database, and for the first time established an ensemble learning model based on CatBoost and XGBoost to predict potential AChEIs. We demonstrate the advantages of ensemble learning models in building AChEIs predictor based on imbalanced, heterogeneous data through a comprehensive evaluation. Afterwards, we also combined the best-performing models into a blending model AChEI-EL for case studies, and obtained the top-ranked potential inhibitors that have been shown to have the potential to inhibit the AChE. These results suggest that our method has a promising application in the field of AD. Finally, we developed a WEB online prediction platform based on the best model for the use and reference of researchers. © 2022 IEEE.
ABSTRACT
With the outbreak of the Covid-19, people's reliance on electronic devices has become more and more serious. Especially in the special period in present, the mode of online learning through electronic devices has been widely adopted by young students at different stages. There are various supports for electronic devices, but most of them can only be placed in a fixed position. Some display supports can be manually adjusted to a suitable position, which cannot provide more intelligent functions. Based on the current circumstances, by using computer software to build a 3D bracket model, and make it by 3D printer, with raspberry pi as the main control chip and stm32 as the system auxiliary chip, a set of intelligent display screen bracket based on IOT is developed. The smart bracket can independently adjust the position of the user and the screen, and can set auxiliary functions in real time according to needs, such as reminder of learning hours, sitting posture adjustment, voice interaction, etc. and can control core functions through the mobile terminal of the mobile phone. This paper aims to alleviate the problems of eye fatigue and high myopia rate caused by the improper posture of young people when using electronic display devices. © COPYRIGHT SPIE. Downloading of the is permitted for personal use only.
ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is accelerating in the world. Although the epidemic has been basically controlled across China at the present stage, the domestic epidemic prevention and control situation is still complex and grim. Field epidemiology played an important role in the prevention and control of infectious diseases during this epidemic and the past epidemics. In order to improve the teaching content of field epidemiology in undergraduate medical education, and to explore the practice of training in epidemiology with the present situation, this paper explored the teaching practice of field epidemiology investigation based on COVID-19. This study will help to enhance both the ability of students from theory to practice, and the adaption of high-level talents in field epidemic under the new situation. © 2021, Publication Centre of Anhui Medical University. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a respiratory illness that can result in hospitalization or death. We used exome sequence data to investigate associations between rare genetic variants and seven COVID-19 outcomes in 586,157 individuals, including 20,952 with COVID-19. After accounting for multiple testing, we did not identify any clear associations with rare variants either exome wide or when specifically focusing on (1) 13 interferon pathway genes in which rare deleterious variants have been reported in individuals with severe COVID-19, (2) 281 genes located in susceptibility loci identified by the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative, or (3) 32 additional genes of immunologic relevance and/or therapeutic potential. Our analyses indicate there are no significant associations with rare protein-coding variants with detectable effect sizes at our current sample sizes. Analyses will be updated as additional data become available, and results are publicly available through the Regeneron Genetics Center COVID-19 Results Browser.
ABSTRACT
The development of COVID-19 detection strategies with high sensitivity and selectivity are urgent for early diagnosis. Herein, we constructed an electrochemical dual-aptamer biosensor based on the metal organic frameworks MIL-53(Al) decorated with Au@Pt nanoparticles and enzymes to determine SARSCoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (2019-nCoV-NP) via co-catalysis of the nanomaterials, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and G-quadruplex DNAzyme. First, the two thiol-modified aptamers (N48 and N61), as recognition elements, were immobilized on the surface of gold electrode (GE) to capture the biomarker 2019nCoV-NP. Then, the nanomaterial composites Au@Pt/MIL-53 (Al) were decorated by HRP and hemin/Gquadruplex DNAzyme as signal nanoprobe. The designed nanoprobe was applied to amplifying the aptasensor signal via co-catalyzing the oxidation of hydroquinone in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Finally, the aptamer-protein-nanoprobe sandwich electrochemical detection system was fabricated on the GE surface. The results demonstrated that this aptasensor had a wide linear range from 0.025 to 50 ng mL -1 and the detection limit was 8.33 pg mL -1 for 2019-nCoV-NP. This aptasensor has great potential in the early diagnosis of COVID-19 with high sensitivity, selectivity and reliability. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The prevention and control of COVID-19 in megacities is under large pressure because of tens of millions and high-density populations. The majority of epidemic prevention and control policies implemented focused on travel restrictions, which severely affected urban mobility during the epidemic. Considering the impacts of epidemic and associated control policies, this study analyzes the relationship between COVID-19, travel of residents, Point of Interest (POI), and social activities from the perspective of taxi travel. First, changes in the characteristics of taxi trips at different periods were analyzed. Next, the relationship between POIs and taxi travels was established by the Geographic Information System (GIS) method, and the spatial lag model (SLM) was introduced to explore the changes in taxi travel driving force. Then, a social activities recovery level evaluation model was proposed based on the taxi travel datasets to evaluate the recovery of social activities. The results demonstrated that the number of taxi trips dropped sharply, and the travel speed, travel time, and spatial distribution of taxi trips had been significantly influenced during the epidemic period. The spatial correlation between taxi trips was gradually weakened after the outbreak of the epidemic, and the consumption travel demand of people significantly decreased while the travel demand for community life increased dramatically. The evaluation score of social activity is increased from 8.12 to 74.43 during the post-epidemic period, which may take 3-6 months to be fully recovered as a normal period. Results and models proposed in this study may provide references for the optimization of epidemic control policies and recovery of public transport in megacities during the post-epidemic period.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To compare the efficacy of the combination of abidol, lopinavir/ritonavir plus recombinant interferon α-2b (rIFNα-2b) and the combination of lopinavir/ritonavir plus rIFNα-2b for patients with COVID-19 in Zhejiang province. Methods: A multicenter prospective study was carried out to compare the efficacy of triple combination antiviral therapy and dual combination antiviral therapy in 15 medical institutions of Zhejiang province during January 22 to February 16, 2020. All patients were treated with rIFNα-2b (5 million U, 2 times/d) aerosol inhalation, in addition 196 patients were treated with abidol (200 mg, 3 times/d) + lopinavir/ritonavir (2 tablets, 1 time/12 h) (triple combination group) and 41 patients were treated with lopinavir/ritonavir (2 tablets, 1 time/12 h) (dual combination group). The patients who received triple combination antiviral therapy were further divided into three subgroups: <48 h, 3-5 d and >5 d according the time from the symptom onset to medication starting. The therapeutic efficacy was compared between triple combination group and dual combination group, and compared among 3 subgroups of patients receiving triple combination antiviral therapy. SPSS 17.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results: The virus nucleic acid-negative conversion time in respiratory tract specimens was (12.2±4.7) d in the triple combination group, which was shorter than that in the dual combination group [(15.0±5.0) d] (t=6.159, P<0.01). The length of hospital stay in the triple combination group [12.0 (9.0, 17.0) d] was also shorter than that in the dual combination group [15.0 (10.0, 18.0) d] (H=2.073, P<0.05). Compared with the antiviral treatment which was started within after the symptom onset of in the triple combination group, the time from the symptom onset to the viral negative conversion was 13.0 (10.0, 17.0), 17.0 (13.0, 22.0) and 21.0 (18.0, 24.0) d in subgroups of 48 h, 3-5 d and >5 d, respectively (Z=32.983, P<0.01), while the time from antiviral therapy to viral negative conversion was (11.8±3.9), (13.5±5.1) and (11.2±4.3) d, respectively(Z=6.722, P<0.05). Conclusions: The triple combination antiviral therapy of abidol, lopinavir/litonavir and rIFNα-2b shows shorter viral shedding time and shorter hospitalization time, compared with the dual combination antiviral therapy;and the earlier starting triple combination antiviral therapy will result in better antiviral efficacy. Copyright © 2020 by the Chinese Medical Association.