Towards Exploring Large Molecular Space: An Efficient Chemical Genetic Algorithm.

Generating molecules with desired properties is an important task in chemistry and pharmacy. An efficient method may have a positive impact on finding drugs to treat diseases like COVID-19. Data mining and artificial intelligence may be good ways to find an efficient method. Recently, both the generative models based on deep learning and the work based on genetic algorithms have made some progress in generating molecules and optimizing the molecule's properties. However, existing methods need to be improved in efficiency and performance. To solve these problems, we propose a method named the Chemical Genetic Algorithm for Large Molecular Space (CALM). Specifically, CALM employs a scalable and efficient molecular representation called molecular matrix. Then, we design corresponding crossover, mutation, and mask operators inspired by domain knowledge and previous studies. We apply our genetic algorithm to several tasks related to molecular property optimization and constraint molecular optimization. The results of these tasks show that our approach outperforms the other state-of-the-art deep learning and genetic algorithm methods, where the z tests performed on the results of several experiments show that our method is more than 99% likely to be significant. At the same time, based on the experimental results, we point out the insufficiency in the experimental evaluation standard which affects the fair evaluation of previous work. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11390-021-0970-3.

PCR combined with serologic testing improves the yield and efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 infection hunting: A study in 40,689 consecutive overseas arrivals

Background The global epidemiological situation of COVID-19 remains serious. The rapid hunting of SARS-CoV-2 infection is the key means for preventing transmission. Methods A total of 40,689 consecutive overseas arrivals were screened for SARS-CoV-2 infection based on PCR and serologic testing. The yield and efficiency of different screening algorithms were evaluated. Result Among the 40,689 consecutive overseas arrivals, 56 (0.14%) subjects were confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2 infection. The asymptomatic rate was 76.8%. When the algorithm based on PCR alone was used, the identification yield of a single round of PCR (PCR1) was only 39.3% (95% CI: 26.1–52.5%). It took at least four rounds of PCR to achieve a yield of 92.9% (95% CI: 85.9–99.8%). Fortunately, an algorithm based on a single round of PCR combined with a single round of serologic testing (PCR1+ Ab1) greatly improved the screening yield to 98.2% (95% CI: 94.6–100.0%) and required 42,299 PCR and 40,689 serologic tests that cost 6,052,855 yuan. By achieving a similar yield, the cost of PCR1+ Ab1 was 39.2% of that of four rounds of PCR. For hunting one case in PCR1+ Ab1, 769 PCR and 740 serologic tests were required, costing 110,052 yuan, which was 63.0% of that of the PCR1 algorithm. Conclusion Comparing an algorithm based on PCR alone, PCR combined with a serologic testing algorithm greatly improved the yield and efficiency of the identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Clinical Practice and Effectiveness Analysis of the Management of Corona Virus Disease 2019 Infected at Shanghai Fangcang Shelter Hospital: A Descriptive Study.

Background: The Fangcang shelter hospital has gradually become the primary management mode in China's fight against this Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in 2020. In early 2022, the Fangcang shelter hospital management model was successfully applied to the new outbreak of COVID-19 in Shanghai also. Although Fangcang shelter hospitals are no longer the prevailing mode of prevention of COVID-19, the management experience of Shanghai makeshift hospitals is worthy of reference for public health. Methods: The authors conducted a descriptive statistical analysis of Hall 6-2 of the Shanghai National Convention and Exhibition Center Fangcang shelter hospital. The whole hall of the Fangcang shelter hospital was managed by the one hospital, and the inclusion of third-party management personnel alleviated the shortage of medical personnel human resources. Through practice, a new procedure for treating batch infected people was introduced. Results: By optimizing ward management, 72 on-duty doctors, 360 on-duty nurses, 3 sense-control administrators, and 15 administrators cured 18,574 infected people in 40 days, and created a record of a doctor managing 700 infected people without compromising the quality of treatment. There have been no deaths and no complaints from the infected people located in Hall 6-2 of the Shanghai National Convention and Exhibition Center Fangcang shelter hospital. Conclusion: Compared with previous data, the new management mode of Fangcang shelter hospitals provides a reference for the management of the new infectious diseases for public health.

PCR combined with serologic testing improves the yield and efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 infection hunting: A study in 40,689 consecutive overseas arrivals.

Background: The global epidemiological situation of COVID-19 remains serious. The rapid hunting of SARS-CoV-2 infection is the key means for preventing transmission. Methods: A total of 40,689 consecutive overseas arrivals were screened for SARS-CoV-2 infection based on PCR and serologic testing. The yield and efficiency of different screening algorithms were evaluated. Result: Among the 40,689 consecutive overseas arrivals, 56 (0.14%) subjects were confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2 infection. The asymptomatic rate was 76.8%. When the algorithm based on PCR alone was used, the identification yield of a single round of PCR (PCR1) was only 39.3% (95% CI: 26.1-52.5%). It took at least four rounds of PCR to achieve a yield of 92.9% (95% CI: 85.9-99.8%). Fortunately, an algorithm based on a single round of PCR combined with a single round of serologic testing (PCR1+ Ab1) greatly improved the screening yield to 98.2% (95% CI: 94.6-100.0%) and required 42,299 PCR and 40,689 serologic tests that cost 6,052,855 yuan. By achieving a similar yield, the cost of PCR1+ Ab1 was 39.2% of that of four rounds of PCR. For hunting one case in PCR1+ Ab1, 769 PCR and 740 serologic tests were required, costing 110,052 yuan, which was 63.0% of that of the PCR1 algorithm. Conclusion: Comparing an algorithm based on PCR alone, PCR combined with a serologic testing algorithm greatly improved the yield and efficiency of the identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Parental hesitancy against COVID-19 vaccination for children and associated factors in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Since July 2021, some countries and regions have initiated the vaccination of minors against coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and parental COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy will affect the vaccination of minors. We aimed to identify the level of parental hesitancy to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 in Taiwan and the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. METHODS: We conducted a population-based, self-administered online questionnaire in Taiwan to assess parental hesitancy and the factors influencing their children's vaccination against COVID-19. RESULTS: Among 384 respondents, 64.1% were hesitant to have their children vaccinated against COVID-19. Mothers were more likely to hesitate to vaccinate their teens than their fathers (67.5% vs. 50%, P < 0.005). Multiple regression results showed that parents who were hesitant to vaccinate themselves (OR = 3.81, 95% CI:2.07-7.02) and those who scored lower on their perception of their children's vaccination (OR = 9.73, 95% CI:5.62-16.84) were more hesitant to vaccinate their children with COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: According to the study findings, 64.1% of Taiwanese parents were hesitant to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Parents who were hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for themselves and had negative views of the vaccine for their children were more likely to be hesitant to vaccinate their children. An in-depth discussion of the factors affecting vaccine hesitancy and targeted health education is conducive to promoting vaccination in children with COVID-19.

Relationship between COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and willingness to pay for the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine of oncology patients in Taizhou, China.

OBJECTIVE: This population-based study aimed to determine the hesitancy and willingness to pay (WTP) for the booster dose of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine among patients with cancer in Taizhou, China. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A self-administered online questionnaire was administered to patients with cancer in Taizhou, China. The chi-square test, binary logistic regression model were used to evaluate the WTP for the booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The minimum sample size was 218, determined by G*Power software (latest ver. 3.1.9.7). A total of 354 patients received the survey, and 256 (72.3%) patients responded. RESULTS: Overall, 69.9% (179/256) of respondents were willing to pay for the booster dose, and 78.8% (141/179) of these patients were willing to pay 1-99 CNY. Furthermore, 50.4% (129/256) of respondents were hesitant to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Being unhesitant was significantly associated with WTP for the booster dose (aOR: 3.040; 95% CI: 1.669-5.540). CONCLUSION: Hesitant patients with cancer had a lower WTP for the booster dose against COVID-19 than non-hesitant participants. These results imply that further health education programmes are essential to decrease the hesitancy of patients with cancer and enhance booster dose vaccination rates for public health improvements.KEY MESSAGESOur research showed that 70% of patients with cancer are willing to pay for the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and most are willing to pay less than 100 CNY, and this result reflects the economic value and affordability of the third dose of vaccination.COVID-19 vaccine-hesitant patients with cancer had a lower willingness to pay for a booster dose against COVID-19 than non-hesitant participants and few patients are still unwilling to pay among patients do not hesitate to receive the third dose.Therefore, promoting willingness to pay among oncology patients and addressing vaccine hesitancy remains key.

SARS-CoV-2 BA.2 (Omicron) variant infection in pediatric liver transplanted recipients and cohabitants during 2022 Shanghai outbreak: a prospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: The Omicron variant BA.2 was the dominant variant in the COVID-19 outbreak in Shanghai since March 2022. We aim to investigate the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection in pediatric liver-transplanted recipients. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, prospective, observational, single-arm study. We enrolled pediatric liver-transplanted patients infected with the Omicron variant BA.2 from March 19th to October 1st, 2022 and analyzed their demographic, clinical, laboratory, and outcome data. The management of COVID-19 was conducted according to the 9th trial edition of the Chinese guideline. The immunosuppressive therapy was tailored considering the patients' infection developments and liver functions. RESULTS: Five children were included. The primary diseases included Niemann-Pick disease, propionic acidemia, decompensated cirrhosis, biliary atresia, and Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I. All of the patients were onset with fever before or when getting RNA-positive results at the age of 3 (Range: 1-13) years. The infection duration was 29 (Range: 18-40) days. Three and two children were diagnosed with mild and moderate COVID-19 respectively. Two patients were tested RNA-positive within 14 days after having been tested negative. The immunosuppressants were paused or extenuated in four patients. Eight of all nine cohabitants were injected with at least two doses of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The disease courses were significantly longer than the patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Post-transplant immunosuppression slows down the virus clearance and increases the risk of relapse but does not affect symptom duration or infection severity in pediatric patients. Patients can usually gain a favorable outcome and prognosis by extenuating immunosuppressants.

Impacts of Omicron associated restrictions on vertical distributions of air pollution at a suburb site in Shanghai

To prevent the Omicron transmission, Shanghai government implemented varying degrees of restraint measures. This study provided a new insight into the responses of air pollution altitude dependence to restraint measures by conducting vertical observations at a suburb site in Shanghai. Based on the difference-in-differences (DiD) models that compare the results in 2021 (normal scenario) and 2022 (Omicron-based restriction), we evaluated the casual effects of restrictions on (i) nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), (ii) aerosol (presented by aerosol extinction coefficient (AEC)), formaldehyde (HCHO) and glyoxal (CHOCHO) and (iii) ozone (O 3), which are generally treaded as primary, multi-sources and secondary pollutants, respectively. The estimated results from 0.0 to 2.0 km show that the drop/rise induced by restrictions is greater below 1.0 km than that above 1.0 km. Averaged on vertical distributions, AEC, NO 2 , HCHO and CHOCHO during restrictions felled by 15.1% (0.12 km−1), 40.3% (1.65 ppbv), 10.0% (0.26 ppbv) and 28.6% (21.79 pptv), respectively, while O 3 increased by 21.3% (18.12 μg/m3). It indicates that restrictions induce significant drops in primary pollutants and enhancements in secondary pollutants. For multi-sources pollutants, the decline from primary sources can be partly offset by enhanced secondary productions, and the ratio of increased secondary sources to decreased primary sources can be elevated with height. The discrepancies of responses to restrictions are reflected in vertical distribution and types of air pollution, emphasizing the significance of vertical observations for diversified pollution. These finding can also be meaningful in the strategy development for prevention and control of air pollution. [Display omitted] • This study provided a new insight into the responses of air pollution altitude dependence to restraint measures by employing vertical observations. • The difference-in differences model was applied to evaluate the casual effects of restrictions on different types of pollution. • The decline of multi-sources pollutants from primary sources can be partly offset by enhanced secondary productions. [ FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term passaging of pseudo-typed SARS-CoV-2 reveals the breadth of monoclonal and bispecific antibody cocktails.

The continuous emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants poses challenges to the effectiveness of neutralizing antibodies. Rational design of antibody cocktails is a realizable approach addressing viral immune evasion. However, evaluating the breadth of antibody cocktails is essential for understanding the development potential. Here, based on a replication competent vesicular stomatitis virus model that incorporates the spike of SARS-CoV-2 (VSV-SARS-CoV-2), we evaluated the breadth of a number of antibody cocktails consisting of monoclonal antibodies and bispecific antibodies by long-term passaging the virus in the presence of the cocktails. Results from over two-month passaging of the virus showed that 9E12 + 10D4 + 2G1 and 7B9-9D11 + 2G1 from these cocktails were highly resistant to random mutation, and there was no breakthrough after 30 rounds of passaging. As a control, antibody REGN10933 was broken through in the third passage. Next generation sequencing was performed and several critical mutations related to viral evasion were identified. These mutations caused a decrease in neutralization efficiency, but the reduced replication rate and ACE2 susceptibility of the mutant virus suggested that they might not have the potential to become epidemic strains. The 9E12 + 10D4 + 2G1 and 7B9-9D11 + 2G1 cocktails that picked from the VSV-SARS-CoV-2 system efficiently neutralized all current variants of concern and variants of interest including the most recent variants Delta and Omicron, as well as SARS-CoV-1. Our results highlight the feasibility of using the VSV-SARS-CoV-2 system to develop SARS-CoV-2 antibody cocktails and provide a reference for the clinical selection of therapeutic strategies to address the mutational escape of SARS-CoV-2.

Parents' willingness to pay for their children's COVID-19 vaccine in Taiwan, China: A cross-sectional study.

Most COVID-19 studies aim to assess factors influencing willingness to pay for vaccines between the public and medical staff. However, few studies focus on parents' willingness to pay for their children's COVID-19 vaccine. The current study aimed to assess parents' willingness to pay for their children's vaccination against COVID-19 and its influencing factors. This population-based cross-sectional study used a self-administered questionnaire. The inclusion criterion was parents with at least one child younger than 18 years. The final analysis included 384 valid data points. A total of 89.1% of the parents indicated that they are willing to pay for their children's vaccination against COVID-19. Among them, both fathers' and mothers' willingness to pay for their children's COVID-19 vaccine was 89.6%. The mean and median willingness to pay were% would pay for their children. Excluding other confounding factors, willingness to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine for themselves and hesitation to vaccinate their children were significantly associated with parents' willingness to pay for their children's COVID-19 vaccine. We found that 89.1% of the parents in Taiwan would pay for their children's COVID-19 vaccine. Parents' willingness to pay for themselves and hesitation to vaccinate their children were associated with willingness to pay. Reducing hesitation about vaccines and developing policies for vaccine payment may have a positive impact on willingness to pay for vaccines and promoting COVID-19 vaccination.

Towards Exploring Large Molecular Space: An Efficient Chemical Genetic Algorithm

Generating molecules with desired properties is an important task in chemistry and pharmacy. An efficient method may have a positive impact on finding drugs to treat diseases like COVID-19. Data mining and artificial intelligence may be good ways to find an efficient method. Recently, both the generative models based on deep learning and the work based on genetic algorithms have made some progress in generating molecules and optimizing the molecule's properties. However, existing methods need to be improved in efficiency and performance. To solve these problems, we propose a method named the Chemical Genetic Algorithm for Large Molecular Space (CALM). Specifically, CALM employs a scalable and efficient molecular representation called molecular matrix. Then, we design corresponding crossover, mutation, and mask operators inspired by domain knowledge and previous studies. We apply our genetic algorithm to several tasks related to molecular property optimization and constraint molecular optimization. The results of these tasks show that our approach outperforms the other state-of-the-art deep learning and genetic algorithm methods, where the z tests performed on the results of several experiments show that our method is more than 99% likely to be significant. At the same time, based on the experimental results, we point out the insufficiency in the experimental evaluation standard which affects the fair evaluation of previous work. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11390-021-0970-3.

Willingness of college students to receive COVID-19 heterologous vaccination in Taizhou, China.

This study aimed to determine the willingness of college students to choose COVID-19 heterologous vaccination and its associated influencing factors in Taizhou, China. A population-based, self-administered online questionnaire was conducted from March 15 to 17, 2022. Of the 2,463 participants who had received the invitation, 1,821 responded to the survey (response rate = 73.9%). Only 14% (86/614) of those willing to receive a booster would chose a heterologous vaccination; the perception of better effectiveness of a COVID-19 heterologous vaccination booster was the significant factor (X2 = 22.671, p < .001). Additionally, female college students'older age (χ2 = 7.523, P = .023), major of medical (χ2 = 6.294, P = .012), and better perceived effectiveness of COVID-19 heterologous vaccination booster (χ2 = 22.659, P < .001), were more willing to receive heterologous booster doses. Chinese college students have a strong willingness to receive booster shots, but the percentage of those willing to receive a heterologous vaccine is only 14.0%, and the lack of understanding of its effectiveness is an important factor in the low proportion of heterologous vaccine selection. Health education, public health awareness, and the disclosure of heterologous vaccine information can help improve the public's understanding of heterologous vaccines and provide them with more choices.

Ozone Pollution of Megacity Shanghai during City-Wide Lockdown Assessed Using TROPOMI Observations of NO2 and HCHO

An unprecedented city-wide lockdown took place in Shanghai from April to May 2022 to curb the spread of COVID-19, which caused socio-economic disruption but a significant reduction of anthropogenic emissions in this metropolis. However, the ground-based monitoring data showed that the concentration of ozone (O3) remained at a high level. This study applied Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) observations to examine changes in tropospheric vertical column density (VCD) of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and formaldehyde (HCHO), which are precursors of O3. Compared with the same period in 2019-2021, VCDs of NO2 and HCHO decreased respectively by ~50% and ~20%. Multiple regression analysis showed that the lockdown effect played a dominant role in this dramatic decline rather than meteorological impacts. Using the exponentially-modified Gaussian method, this study quantified nitrogen oxides (NOX) emission in Shanghai as 32.60 mol/s with a decrease of 50-80%, which was mainly contributed by the transportation and industrial sectors. The significant reduction of NOX emission in Shanghai is much higher than that of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which led to dramatic changes in formaldehyde-to-nitrogen dioxide ratio (HCHO/NO2, FNR). Thus, when enforcing regulation on NOx emission control in the future, coordinately reducing VOCs emission should be implemented to mitigate urban O3 pollution.

Unspecific reactivity must be excluded in COVID-19 epidemiological analyses or virus tracing based on serologic testing: Analysis of 46,777 post-pandemic samples and 1,114 pre-pandemic samples

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Serologic testing is complementary to nucleic acid screening to identify SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to evaluate unspecific reactivity in SARS-CoV-2 serologic tests. Materials and methods Total anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from 46,777 subjects who were screened for SARS-CoV-2 were retrospectively studied to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of the unspecific reactivity. A total of 1,114 pre-pandemic samples were also analysed to compare unspecific reactivity. Results The incidence of unspecific reactivity in anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibody testing was 0.361% in 46,777 post-pandemic samples, similar to the incidence of 0.359% (4/1,114) in 1,114 pre-pandemic samples (p = 0.990). Subjects ≥ 19 years old had a 2.753-fold [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.130–6.706] higher probability of unspecific reactivity than subjects < 19 years old (p = 0.026). There was no significant difference between the sexes. The unspecific reactivity was associated with 14 categories within the disease spectrum, with three tops being the skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases (0.93%), respiratory system diseases (0.78%) and neoplasms diseases (0.76%). The percentage of patients with a titer ≥ 13.87 cut-off index (COI) in the unspecific reactivity was 7.69%. Conclusion Our results suggest a unspecific reactivity incidence rate of 0.361% involving 14 categories on the disease spectrum. Unspecific reactivity needs to be excluded when performing serologic antibody testing in COVID-19 epidemiological analyses or virus tracing.

Impacts of Omicron associated restrictions on vertical distributions of air pollution at a suburb site in Shanghai

To prevent the Omicron transmission, Shanghai government implemented varying degrees of restraint measures. This study provided a new insight into the responses of air pollution altitude dependence to restraint measures by conducting vertical observations at a suburb site in Shanghai. Based on the difference-in-differences (DiD) models that compare the results in 2021 (normal scenario) and 2022 (Omicron-based restriction), we evaluated the casual effects of restrictions on (i) nitrogen dioxide (NO2), (ii) aerosol (presented by aerosol extinction coefficient (AEC)), formaldehyde (HCHO) and glyoxal (CHOCHO) and (iii) ozone (O3), which are generally treaded as primary, multi-sources and secondary pollutants, respectively. The estimated results from 0.0 to 2.0 km show that the drop/rise induced by restrictions is greater below 1.0 km than that above 1.0 km. Averaged on vertical distributions, AEC, NO2, HCHO and CHOCHO during restrictions felled by 15.1% (0.12 km−1), 40.3% (1.65 ppbv), 10.0% (0.26 ppbv) and 28.6% (21.79 pptv), respectively, while O3 increased by 21.3% (18.12 μg/m3). It indicates that restrictions induce significant drops in primary pollutants and enhancements in secondary pollutants. For multi-sources pollutants, the decline from primary sources can be partly offset by enhanced secondary productions, and the ratio of increased secondary sources to decreased primary sources can be elevated with height. The discrepancies of responses to restrictions are reflected in vertical distribution and types of air pollution, emphasizing the significance of vertical observations for diversified pollution. These finding can also be meaningful in the strategy development for prevention and control of air pollution.

Adverse reactions to inactivated COVID-19 vaccination in patients with chronic liver disease: The effect of anxiety.

Studies have shown that patients with chronic liver disease are at a higher risk of contracting novel coronavirus pneumonia than healthy individuals, and many guidelines state that patients with chronic liver disease should be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination, but there are a few studies on its safety in CLD patients. We aimed to evaluate the safety of the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine in patients with chronic liver disease, and the effect of anxiety on adverse reactions. A questionnaire survey for self-administered post-vaccination adverse reaction monitoring was conducted from June 17, 2021, to August 11, 2021, in patients with chronic liver disease attending a tertiary care hospital in Taizhou, China. We analyzed the data from of a total of 160 participants who scanned the QR code on social media to respond to the questionnaire. The overall incidence of adverse reactions after COVID-19 vaccination in patients with chronic liver disease was 44.4% (71/160), and the most common adverse reaction was local injection site reaction, accounting for 80.3% of adverse reactions (57/71). No serious adverse reactions were reported. Approximately 53.1% of the patients had anxiety about vaccination, and 51.8% of those who felt anxious reported adverse reactions. The safety of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with chronic liver disease is good, and there is a strong association between adverse reactions and vaccine anxiety. Pre-vaccination education for patients with vaccine anxiety and psychological counseling may reduce reports of adverse reactions and improve patients' confidence in the vaccine.

Contribution of Trp63CreERT2-labeled cells to alveolar regeneration is independent of tuft cells.

Viral infection often causes severe damage to the lungs, leading to the appearance of ectopic basal cells (EBCs) and tuft cells in the lung parenchyma. Thus far, the roles of these ectopic epithelial cells in alveolar regeneration remain controversial. Here, we confirm that the ectopic tuft cells are originated from EBCs in mouse models and COVID-19 lungs. The differentiation of tuft cells from EBCs is promoted by Wnt inhibition while suppressed by Notch inhibition. Although progenitor functions have been suggested in other organs, pulmonary tuft cells don't proliferate or give rise to other cell lineages. Consistent with previous reports, Trp63CreERT2 and KRT5-CreERT2-labeled ectopic EBCs do not exhibit alveolar regeneration potential. Intriguingly, when tamoxifen was administrated post-viral infection, Trp63CreERT2 but not KRT5-CreERT2 labels islands of alveolar epithelial cells that are negative for EBC biomarkers. Furthermore, germline deletion of Trpm5 significantly increases the contribution of Trp63CreERT2-labeled cells to the alveolar epithelium. Although Trpm5 is known to regulate tuft cell development, complete ablation of tuft cell production fails to improve alveolar regeneration in Pou2f3-/- mice, implying that Trpm5 promotes alveolar epithelial regeneration through a mechanism independent of tuft cells.

Willingness of Older Adults with Chronic Diseases to Receive a Booster Dose of Inactivated Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine: A Cross-Sectional Study in Taizhou, China.

Vaccination is an important measure to control the spread of COVID-19 among elderly high-risk groups; however, the propensity to receive COVID-19 vaccine boosters has not been evaluated in these populations. Here, we aimed to investigate the willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster among the elderly chronic disease population in Taizhou, China. A cross-sectional, hospital-based survey was conducted in the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital between 6 July and 11 August 2021 in Taizhou, China, and the data were uploaded to Wen-Juan-Xing, one of the largest online platforms used to collect survey data in China. The targeted population was non-oncology chronic disease patients aged 60 years and above. The minimum sample size was 229, determined by the G*Power software (v3.1.9.2, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany). A total of 254 patients with valid data were enrolled in this study, with a response rate of 82.5% (254/308). Chi-square tests and one-way binary regression were used to compare the proportions and the degree of influence of categorical factors. The magnitude of the effect for the comparisons was measured by Gramer's V. A multivariate binary logistic regression model was used to correct for confounders and to identify factors. All data were analyzed using SPSS v24.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). A total of 198 respondents (77.9%) were willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, and 77.6% of respondents were willing to receive the primary dose. Age < 70 years (OR 2.82), stable disease control (OR 2.79), confidence in the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine (OR 3.11), and vaccine recipient (OR 5.02) were significantly associated with the willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. Promoting primary dose vaccination is essential for advancing booster vaccination, and it is important to focus on elderly patients' confidence in the vaccine, in addition to strengthening health management and promoting disease stability. Follow-up studies should focus on elderly patients who belong to specific disease groups.

Intentions of Patients with Hypertension to Receive a Booster Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Taizhou, China.

COVID-19 patients with hypertension have increased hospital complications and mortality rates. Moreover, these patients also have lower antibody titers after receiving the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine. Therefore, patients with hypertension should receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster. To promote the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine booster among hypertensive patients, this study investigated patients' willingness and factors that influence patients with hypertension to receive the COVID-19 vaccine booster. From July 2021 to August, 410 patients with hypertension were surveyed. Overall, 76.8% of patients were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine booster, as 82.7% of patients without comorbidities and 72.7% of patients with comorbidities were willing to receive the vaccine booster. The main factors that influenced the willingness of patients with hypertension to receive a booster dose were the preventive effect of the vaccine (χ2 = 52.827, p < 0.05), vaccine safety (χ2 = 42.423, p < 0.05), vaccine knowledge (χ2 = 7.831, p < 0.05), presence of comorbidities (χ2 = 4.862, p < 0.05), disease control (χ2 = 5.039, p < 0.05), and antihypertensive treatments (χ2 = 12.565, p < 0.05). This study's findings highlight the need to promote knowledge about booster vaccination among patients and health management. These measures would improve patients' willingness and knowledge about the vaccine and their health status, which are the main factors that influence patients' intention to receive booster vaccines.