Attila and Aetius on the roof: The succession phenomenon in the roof greening area of a primary school in Beijing during the lockdown period of the COVID-19 (preprint)

"Succession" refers to the process of certain species replacing others over time. It is of great significance for understanding the characteristics and evolution of ecosystems. This article compares the changes in school rooftop green areas before and after the COVID-19 epidemic (2019, 2023), and studies the situation of wild grass invading roofs during the three years of the epidemic, as well as the response of original rooftop plants to the invasion. The results showed that: [circled1] invasive weeds were concentrated in 2 families and 4 species, forming a population advantage in most of the invaded planting boxes; [circled2] The succession has had a significant impact on the roof greening area; [circled3] Among the two cultivated plants (Phedimus aizoon (PA) and Sedum sarmentosum (SS)), SS was greatly affected, with the community almost disappearing, while PA was almost unaffected.

The Challenges in Neurosurgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review (preprint)

Background The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created a global crisis unique to the health care system around the world. It also had a profound impact on the management of neurosurgical patients. In our research, we intended to investigate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on neurosurgery, particular including vascular and oncological neurosurgery.Method Two investigators independently and systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) to identify relevant studies respecting the criteria for inclusion and exclusion published up to June 30th, 2022. The outcomes of our research including mortality rate, length of stay, modified Rankin Score, delay in care, Glasgow outcome scale and major complications.Results Two investigators independently and systematically searched 1270 results from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane database, and extracted the detailed data from 13 articles assessed for eligibility, including 2 intracerebral hemorrhage, five subarachnoid hemorrhage, two neuro-oncology and 2 unspecified neurosurgery. A total of 25,864 patients were included in our research.Conclusion Some of our included studies suggested that pandemic caused negative effect on the outcomes of neurosurgery while others suggested that the pandemic didn't cause significant effect on the neurosurgery. Meanwhile, the effect of pandemic on neurosurgery may differ from different region.

Development and application of an uncapped mRNA platform (preprint)

A novel uncapped mRNA platform was developed. Five lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA constructs were made to evaluate several aspects of our platform, including transfection efficiency and durability in vitro and in vivo and the activation of humoral and cellular immunity in several animal models. The constructs were eGFP-mRNA-LNP (for enhanced green fluorescence mRNA), Fluc-mRNA-LNP (for firefly luciferase mRNA), S{delta}T-mRNA-LNP (for Delta strain SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimer mRNA), gDED-mRNA-LNP (for truncated glycoprotein D mRNA coding ectodomain from herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2)) and gDFR-mRNA-LNP (for truncated HSV2 glycoprotein D mRNA coding amino acids 1~400). Quantifiable target protein expression was achieved in vitro and in vivo with eGFP- and Fluc-mRNA-LNP. S{delta}T-mRNA-LNP, gDED-mRNA-LNP and gDFR-mRNA-LNP induced both humoral and cellular immune responses comparable to those obtained by previously reported capped mRNA-LNP constructs. Notably, 25, 50 and 100 g of S{delta}T-mRNA-LNP all elicited neutralizing antibodies in hamsters against the Omicron and Delta strains. Additionally, gDED-mRNA-LNP and gDFR-mRNA-LNP induced potent neutralizing antibodies in rabbits and mice. The mRNA constructs with uridine triphosphate (UTP) outperformed those with N1-methylpseudouridine triphosphate (N1m{psi}TP) in the in vivo expression of luciferase and the induction of antibodies via S{delta}T-mRNA-LNP. Our uncapped, process-simplified, and economical mRNA platform may have broad utility in vaccines and protein replacement drugs.

Gene networks under circadian control exhibit diurnal organization in primate organs (preprint)

Mammalian organs are individually controlled by autonomous circadian clocks. At the molecular level, this process is defined by the cyclical co-expression of both core transcription factors and off-target genes across time. While interactions between these molecular clocks are likely necessary for proper homeostasis, these features remain undefined. Here, we utilize integrative analysis of a baboon diurnal transcriptome atlas to characterize the properties of gene networks under circadian control. We found that 53.4% (8,120) of baboon genes are rhythmically expressed body-wide. In addition, >30% of gene-gene interactions exhibit periodic co-expression patterns, with core circadian genes more cyclically co-expressed than others. Moreover, two basic network modes were observed at the systems level: daytime and nighttime mode. Daytime networks were enriched for genes involved in metabolism, while nighttime networks were enriched for genes associated with growth and cellular signaling. A substantial number of diseases only form significant disease modules at either daytime or nighttime. In addition, we found that 216 of 313 genes encoding products that interact with SARS-CoV-2 are rhythmically expressed throughout the body. Importantly, more than 80% of SARS-CoV-2 related genes enriched modules are rhythmically expressed, and have significant network proximities with circadian regulators. Our data suggest that synchronization amongst circadian gene networks is necessary for proper homeostatic functions and circadian regulators have close interactions with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Adaptive immunity to human coronaviruses is widespread but low in magnitude (preprint)

Endemic human coronaviruses (hCoV) circulate worldwide but cause minimal mortality. Although seroconversion to hCoV is near ubiquitous during childhood, little is known about hCoV-specific T cell memory in adults. We quantified CD4 T cell and antibody responses to hCoV spike antigens in 42 SARS-CoV-2 uninfected individuals. T cell responses were widespread within conventional memory and cTFH compartments but did not correlate with IgG titres. SARS-CoV-2 cross-reactive T cells were observed in 48% of participants and correlated with HKU1 memory. hCoV-specific T cells exhibited a CCR6+ central memory phenotype in the blood, but were enriched for frequency and CXCR3 expression in human lung draining lymph nodes. Overall, hCoV-specific humoral and cellular memory are independently maintained, with a shared phenotype existing among coronavirus-specific CD4 T cells. This understanding of endemic coronavirus immunity provides insight into the homeostatic maintenance of immune responses that are likely to be critical components of protection against SARS-CoV-2.

Study on the COVID-19 infection status, prevention and control strategies among entry people in Shenzhen (preprint)

Background The overseas COVID-19 confirmed cases continue to rise for months, while people overseas prefer to return China at present. It is risky to have a large number of imported cases which may cause a relapse of COVID-19 outbreak. In order to prevent imported infection, Shenzhen government has implemented the closed-loop management strategy by taking nucleic acid testing (NAT) for severe acute respiratory syndromes coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and requiring14-days medical observation for individuals with overseas tour history (Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan province and other countries) within 14 days. Our study aim to describe the status of COVID-19 infection among entry people in Shenzhen, and evaluate the effect of closed-loop management strategy.Methods We made a descriptive study and risk analyze by the entry time, reported time, local confirmed cases in origin countries. The NAT were completed in Shenzhen center for disease control and prevention (CDC), ten district-level CDCs, as well as fever clinics.Results A total of 86,844 people overseas entered Shenzhen from January 1 to April 18, 2020, there were 39 imported cases and 293 closed contacts. The infection rate of entry people was 4.49‰ (95% CI: 3.26‰ − 6.05‰). 14 imported cases (35.9%) came from the UK, 9 (23.08%) came from the US. Entry people from the US since Mar 9 or from the UK since Mar 13 are the high-risk population. As of July 17, there have been no new confirmed cases in Shenzhen for 153 days, and the number of confirmed case, close contact, and asymptomatic case are 0. So the closed-loop management is effective to prevent imported infection and control domestic relapse. The distribution of entry time and report time for imported cases overseas was similar. So it is important to take closed-loop management at the port.Conclusions The risk of imported infection from the US and UK were higher that other countries and regions in Shenzhen. The closed-loop management is effective to prevent imported infection and control domestic relapse. Every country is closely connected under the background of globalization. In order to control COVID-19 outbreak, we need the collaboration and cooperation at the global, national, and subnational levels to prevent, detect, and respond effectively.

Study on the COVID-19 infection status, prevention and control strategies among entry people in Shenzhen (preprint)

Background The COVID-19 confirmed cases overseas continue to rise for months, while people overseas prefer to return at present. It is risky to have a large number of infected imported cases which may cause COVID-19 spread to China and even lead to outbreak again. In order to prevent imported infection, Shenzhen implemented the losed-loop management strategy by taking nucleic acid testing (NAT) for severe acute respiratory syndromes coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and medical observation for 14 days among individuals who have epidemic history (Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan province and other countries) within 14 days. Our study described the status of COVID-19 infection among entry people in Shenzhen, and also evaluated the effect of closed-loop management strategy.Methods A total of 86,844 people overseas entered Shenzhen from January 1 to April 18, 2020, and there were 39 imported cases. We made a descriptive study by analyzing the entry time, reported time, local confirmed cases in origin countries, and the number of entry people from abroad. The NAT were completed in Shenzhen center for disease control and prevention (CDC), ten district-level CDCs, as well as fever clinics.Results The infection rate of entry people was 4.49‰ (95% CI: 3.26‰ − 6.05‰). Most of the entry people or imported cases have Chinese nationality. The number of entry people and imported cases in Nanshan and Futian districts were larger than others. 15.73% of the entry people came from the US, and 12.67% came from the UK. 14 imported cases (35.9%) came from the UK, 9 (23.08%) came from the US. The imported risks from the US and UK in Shenzhen were higher than other countries or regions. According to the 14-days’ incubation period and the number of entry people, individuals from the US since Mar 9 were the high-risk population. Accordingly, entry people from the UK since Mar 13 were the high-risk population. It is important to evaluate the imported risk by analyzing local confirmed cases status in origin countries or regions and the number of entry people from these countries or regions to Shenzhen. The distribution of entry time and report time for imported cases in Shenzhen were similar. So it is important to prevent and control COVID-19 imported infection by taking NAT and medical observation at port.Conclusions It is effective to implement closed-loop management strategy for individuals who have epidemic history (Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan province and other countries) within 14 days. In order to control COVID-19 outbreak, we need the collaboration and cooperation at the global, national, and subnational levels to prevent, detect, and respond effectively.

Effects of home quarantine for COVID-19 community control in Shenzhen, China, 2020 (preprint)

Background: Shenzhen implement classification management to prevent and control coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Individuals with epidemic histories (came from Hubei and any other affected regions), but without symptoms were instructed to take home quarantine for 14 days and nucleic acid testing (NAT) for SARS-CoV-2. We described the infection status of the home-quarantined individuals, and effects of community control strategies in the three incubations after Wuhan closure in Shenzhen.Methods: This was a descriptive research, the sample size was 2,004 individuals based on multistage sampling during the pre-investigation. And the formal investigation expanded the sample size to 57,012 individuals based on pre-investigation. A single throat swab was collected from each individual for nucleic acid testing (NAT) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). NAT was performed by a third-party institution. We collected information related to demographics, disease history, travel history, and personal protective measures before home quarantine, and monitored close-contact histories using the We Chat questionnaire.Results: The total infection rate of home-quarantined individuals was 0.12‰ (95% CI: 0.05‰–0.24‰) out of the total sample size of 59,016. The detection period for seven confirmed cases was primarily concentrated between February 8 and 18, 2020, which was during the second incubation period after Wuhan's closure. The home quarantined individuals with epidemic histories (came from Hubei and any other affected regions) were considered the high risk population during the first two incubations after Wuhan’s closure. No positive cases were detected from February 25 to March 5(the third incubation after Wuhan’s closure). The number of newly-confirmed cases per day was 0 for eight consecutive days from February 22 to 29 in Shenzhen.Conclusions: The community control strategies for home-quarantined individuals with epidemic histories (came from Hubei and any other affected regions), but without symptoms to take the NAT in the first two incubations is effective to control COVID-19. But it is not advocating for home-quarantined person to take the NAT since the third incubation.

A Survey Analysis of Psychological Impact on Chinese during Quarantine against COVID-19 (preprint)

Objective: Few studies have investigated the psychological impact throughout a major epidemic, such as COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological state of individuals experienced quarantine and to provide evidence to reduce the impact of quarantine after COVID-19.Methods: A questionnaire-based survey conducted by using an internet site using 631 individuals who lived in China in the year 2020. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used for the data analysis.Results: Approximately 9.97% of the study participants reported that they did not feel good about his or her health condition. Approximately 50.16% of participants had experienced various levels of anxious and nervous feelings. Approximately 5.91% of participants reported anxious or nervous feelings almost every day. By using the spearman rank correlation analysis, we observed that anxious and nervous feelings appeared to be correlated with the frequency of receiving negative news, current health situation and time spent on receiving information related to COVID-19.Conclusion: A long-term quarantine is likely to have some level of impact on health conditions among relatively healthy individuals. The survey study may suggest that government and hospital workers should pay close attention to the psychological change experienced by quarantined individuals.

Research on COVID-19 prevention and control strategies, and the effect of home quarantine in Shenzhen, China, 2020 (preprint)

AbstractBackground: To study the prevention and control strategies of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and to analyze the infection of the home-quarantined individuals with epidemic histories (came from Hubei and any other affected regions), but without symptoms in the three incubations after Wuhan closure in Shenzhen.Methods: The sample size was 2,004 individuals based on multistage sampling during the pre-investigation. Based on the results of the pre-investigation, the formal investigation expanded the sample size to 57,012 individuals. A single throat swab was collected from each individual for nucleic acid testing (NAT) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). NAT was performed by a third-party institution, BGI. We collected information related to demographics, disease history, travel history, and personal protective measures before home quarantine, and monitored close-contact histories using the We Chat questionnaire.Results: The total infection rate of home-quarantined individuals was 0.11% (95% CI: 0.05%–0.24%) out of the total sample size of 59,016. The detection period for seven confirmed cases was primarily concentrated between February 8 and 18, 2020, which was during the second incubation period after Wuhan's closure. The home quarantined individuals with epidemic histories (came from Hubei and any other affected regions) were considered the high risk population during the first two incubations after Wuhan’s closure. No positive cases were detected from February 25 to present (the third incubation after Wuhan’s closure). The number of newly-confirmed cases per day was 0 for 8 days from February 22 to 29 in Shenzhen. Thus, the strategies of prevention and control were effective.Conclusions: The strategies and policies were effective for the prevention and control of COVID-19. Additionally, the strategy of implementing NAT during the first two incubations for home-quarantined individuals with epidemic histories (came from Hubei and any other affected regions), but without symptoms, facilitated early detection, early reporting, early diagnosis, early quarantining, and early treatment. However, our findings do not support NAT for home quarantined persons during the third incubation after Wuhan’s closure to present.

Yinhu Qingwen Granula for the Treatment of Severe CoVID-19