Strategies for the sustainable development of China in the post-epidemic era

Countries around the world are facing enormous challenges in their economic and social development as COVID-19 continues to spread, resulting in slower economic recovery in the post-pandemic era. Considering the impact of economic growth on future sustainable development in this new era, green economic recovery (GER) can achieve a win-win situation between economic recovery and environmental improvement and bring forth environmentally sustainable economic growth. This research first lists related COVID-19 literature surveys and GER policies in the post-pandemic era in China. Based on a comparative study of the international experience of GER policy practices, this paper then analyzes the opportunities and challenges China faces for GER and puts forward countermeasures and suggestions on how to promote its sustainable development in the post-epidemic era. We believe our research presents useful enlightenments for sustainable economic and social development in the post-epidemic era. © 2022 ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Gender disparities in remote teaching readiness and mental health problems among university faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to examine (1) gender differences in remote teaching readiness and mental health problems among university faculty, and (2) to what extent remote teaching readiness is associated with mental health problems among university faculty, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Survey participants of the study comprised 779 university faculty (58.2% men, 39.4% women, and 2.4% other gender identities or did not report) from 122 higher education institutions in the United States. Results: Chi-square tests and independent t-test findings showed that female faculty reported significantly greater remote teaching challenges–in terms of both technology and course design–and higher levels of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Structural equation modelling results indicated that remote teaching readiness was associated with mental health problems among faculty during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: The findings suggest that gender differences in remote teaching readiness can partially explain the gender disparities in mental health problems among faculty, with female faculty being disadvantaged. © 2022 Australian Psychological Society.

TRANSFER TRAUMA AND MAJOR EVENTS AMONG NURSING HOME RESIDENTS BEFORE AND DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The negative consequences of transfers are known as transfer trauma. Nursing home (NH)-to-NH transfers place long-term NH residents at risk for developing transfer trauma and this risk may have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in the setting of a state policy that increased the number of residents who transferred between NHs. The objective of this cross-sectional cohort analysis was to assess the incidence of transfer trauma and major events (hospitalization/death/discharges) among long-term NH residents who transferred from one NH to another before and during the COVID-19 pandemic using a composite measure of transfer trauma based on validated scales from Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments. A total of 750 residents transferred in the pre-COVID cohort and 795 in the COVID cohort were eligible for assessment of transfer trauma and major events. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, residents in the COVID cohort were almost twice more likely to die and almost three times more likely to discharge within 90 days compared to those in the pre-COVID cohort (AOR=1.94, 95%CI [1.15, 3.26] and AOR= 2.86, 95%CI [2.30, 3.56], respectively). Residents in the COVID cohort were less likely to experience transfer trauma compared to those in the pre-COVID cohort. In the during-COVID cohort, 26% of residents had a COVID-19 diagnosis and they were less likely to experience transfer trauma compared to residents without a COVID-19 diagnosis (AOR=0.34, 95%CI [0.23, 0.50]). It is important to note that some residents may have not stayed in the nursing home long enough to assess them for transfer trauma.

FROM RESEARCH TO PRACTICE: bridging the “ knowledge-action” gap

This chapter discusses the inadequate application of the available scientific knowledge to the improvement of human health in urban areas, leading to what we define as a “knowledge-action” gap. The current state of efforts to implement the “Nature as Health” concept is reviewed, and recommendations are made to adopt an evidence-based design process as a framework for addressing the knowledge-action gap and the science-action gap. While Chapter 39 provided case studies from near the Pacific Rim, this chapter details the cases in Taiwan that bridged the knowledge-action gap in the relationship between nature and public health. Chapter 40 discussed several research tools, methods, and interdisciplinary concepts that might lend light to future studies. This chapter will discuss more detailed information of the HealthCloud app and its application, which provides psychological questionnaires and monitors heart rate and environmental information and could be a useful tool for data collection on the changing behaviors and patterns of humans experiencing nature, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. A “Landscape and Health Information Note” application could be used to connect health data and environmental information as a feedback system for users. The chapter concludes with the following questions: what is the future relationship between human and environment interaction? Given the rapid advancement of technology and the COVID-19 pandemic, how can we apply this technology and the strategies of landscape design to fill the knowledge-action gap? Finally, how can we respond to sustainable development goals (SDGs)? © 2022 selection and editorial matter, Yizhao Yang and Anne Taufen;individual chapters, the contributors.

A Booster Dose of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Vaccine Induced C7-C8 Radiculitis Leading to Hand Dysfunction: A Case Report

Case Diagnosis: A 71-year-old female developed C7-C8 radiculitis with left hand weakness 4 days after receiving her booster dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Case Description or Program Description: Patient with a significant past medical history of cervical fusion and bilateral carpal tunnel releases over 20 years ago presented to outpatient office because of decreased hand grip strength 4 days after receiving her booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Her left hand weakness was spontaneous in onset, making her unable to flex her index finger and type. No pain or paresthesia. No trauma, swelling, color or temperature change in her left hand. Nerve conduction study and electromyography performed 19 days after the onset of her symptoms revealed acute greater than chronic changes mainly in distal muscles innervated by C7-C8 nerve roots, compatible with left C7-8 radiculopathy. MRI findings were chronic and compatible with her history of cervical fusion. Her clinical presentation was thought to be an inflammatory rather than mechanical etiology associated with the booster. Patient was referred to outpatient occupational therapy to help her restore hand function. Setting(s): Outpatient office of acute rehabilitation hospital Assessment/Results: Patient underwent occupational therapy and reported mild improvement in hand strength and function after 3 months of therapy. Discussion (relevance): The clinical course of this patient suggested an association between her symptoms and the booster dose of SARS-Cov-2 vaccine. It is possible that some component of the booster might have triggered an immune response and cross-reacted to the peripheral nerve system, leading to acute neuritis and the weakness of her hand. Conclusion(s): Neurologic complications after SARSCov- 2 vaccination is usually mild and self-limiting. We present a rare case of acute radiculitis that was associated with SARS-Cov-2 vaccination with residual impairment in function. Although the causality cannot be confirmed due to the lack of a biological marker, this case may help guide further research into a potential pathogenic mechanism.

Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention: Interpretation of the Updates in 2022

Asthma is a serious health problem affecting people of all ages worldwide. To address asthma，the Global Initiative for Asthma Expert Group published the Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention in 1995，and an updated version （GINA 2022） with new evidence being incorporated，on the World Asthma Day，May 3，2022. Asthma prevalence is increasing but is unsatisfactorily controlled generally in China. We mainly interpreted the update points in the GINA 2022，discussed the management of asthma during the COVID-19 pandemic，and assessed the significance of the GINA 2022 for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma in China. © 2022 Chinese General Practice. All rights reserved.

MENTAL HEALTH SOCIAL WORK IN HONG KONG DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Civil unrest during the COVID-19 pandemic, fears of contracting the virus, challenges for families, and disrupted daily routines complicated mental health in Hong Kong. During the pandemic, most professional social workers worked either in overburdened medical settings, or in community settings where services were suspended, and outreach discouraged. Services disproportionally focussed on information giving and essential tangible support, with fewer providing emotional support. Lessons for practice gleaned from experiences thus far include using a strength perspective to build new normal life, improving service coordination, mobilising peer support, strengthening primary prevention, and enhancing crisis intervention capability in social work education. © 2022 selection and editorial matter, Patricia Fronek and Karen Smith Rotabi-Casares;individual chapters, the contributors.

Clinical severity of COVID-19 with omicron variant predominance in relation to vaccination status, age, comorbidities- a single center in Selangor, Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, the rapid surge of reported COVID-19 cases attributed to the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) created an immediate concern across nations. Local information pertaining to the new variant of concern (VOC) is lacking. We aimed to determine the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 during a period of Omicron prevalence among patients hospitalised from February 1 to 21, 2022 at Sungai Buloh Hospital and to estimate the risks of disease progression presumably caused by this variant in association with gender, age, comorbidity, and vaccination status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective, singlecentered, retrospective cohort study, all hospitalised adults with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, aged 18 and above, were recruited from February 1 to 21, 2022. Clinical characteristics, investigations, and outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 2279 patients aged 18 years and above with laboratory-proven COVID-19 were recruited and analysed, excluding 32 patients owing to incomplete data. Majority of the study population had a mean age of 41.8 ± 17.7, was female-predominant (1329/2279, 58.6%), had completed a primary series of vaccination with a booster (1103/2279, 48.4%), and had no underlying medical conditions (1529/2279, 67.4%). The risk of COVID-19-related disease progression was significantly lower in hospitalised patients under the age of 50 who were female, had no comorbidity, and had completed two doses of the primary series with or without a booster. [respectively, OR 7.94 (95% CI 6.16, 10.23); 1.68 (1.34, 2,12); 2.44 (1.85, 3.22); 2.56 (1.65, 3.97), p< 0.001]. CONCLUSION: During the period of Omicron prevalence, a favourable outcome of COVID-19 was strongly associated with female gender, age below 50, a comorbidity-free condition, and having completed immunization. With this new observation, it could help improve public health planning and clinical management in response to the emergence of the latest VOC.

Challenges of Remote Learning and Mentoring among Engineering Students and Faculty during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has severely affected the higher education system since Spring 2020. During the periods of school closures and limited in-person activities, engineering students and faculty experienced challenges in remote learning and mentoring activities. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), this study surveyed 668 faculty and 3,385 undergraduate/graduate students in engineering from 94 institutions in 36 states across the country. Our findings indicated that several faculty and student subgroups were disproportionately negatively affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, women engineering faculty and students encountered more challenges in transitioning to remote teaching and learning. Students with disabilities and those whose households experienced a loss of income during the COVID-19 pandemic faced more remote learning challenges, perceived less instrumental mentoring support, and were more likely to delay their graduate dates. Our structural equation modeling results showed that mentoring support could mitigate remote learning challenges and academic disruption for engineering students. The study underscores the importance of mentoring support during the crisis of a pandemic. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2022.

Household Structure Projection: A Monte-Carlo based Approach

The kernel of an agent based simulation system for spreading of infectious disease needs a so called household structure (HSD) of the area being simulated which contains a list of households with the age of each member in the household being recorded. Such a household structure is available in a Census that is usually released every 10 years. Previous researches have shown the changing of the household structure has a great impact on disease spreading patterns. It is observed that the changing of the household structure e.g., the average citizen ages and household size, is at a faster speed. However, serious infectious diseases, such as SARS (year 2002), H1N1 (year 2009) and COVID-19 (year 2019), occur with a higher frequency now than previous eras. For example, it would be bad to use HSD2010 built using Census 2010 to simulate COVID-19. In view of this situation, we need a better way to obtain a good household structure in between the Census years in order for an agent-based simulation system to be effective. Note that though a detailed Census is not available every year, aggregated information such as the number of households with a particular size, and the number of people of a particular age are usually available almost monthly. Given HSDx, the household structure for year x, and the aggregated information from year y where y > x, we propose a Monte-Carlo based approach "patching" HSDx to get an approximated HSDy. To validate our algorithm, we pick x and y - x + 10 which both Censuses are available and find out the root-mean-square error (RMSE) between Census's HSDy and generated HSDy is fairly small for x = 1990 and 2000. The spreading patterns obtained by our simulation system have good matches. We hence obtain HSD2020 to be used in your system for studying the spreading of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Racial Discrimination and Mental Health of Korean Americans: Role of Ethnic Identity and Coping Strategy

The onset of COVID-19 has resulted in higher rates of racial discrimination toward Asian American and Pacific Islanders, including Korean Americans. This study used moderated mediation analyses to examine the relationship between COVID-19-related racial discrimination and anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction among Korean Americans (KA;N = 270) and explored the buffering effect of ethnic identity and coping strategies. Experiences of pandemic-related racial discrimination were linked to the severity of anxiety and depression levels among KA, which resulted in lower levels of life satisfaction. Coping strategies moderated the link between depression and life satisfaction but not between anxiety and life satisfaction. Ethnic identity exacerbated the relationship between racial discrimination and levels of anxiety and depression. The significance of these findings highlights the important role of coping strategy and ethnic identity in mental health among KA during the pandemic. Based on these findings, implications for professional counselors are outlined.

MARKED CHANGES ARE SEEN IN THE SMALL BOWEL MICROBIOME AS A RESULT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

SARS-CoV-2 has had a profound impact on the human population in the last 24 months. This includes dramatic changes in lifestyle, hygiene, and altered food sources/consumption patterns, which could directly impact the small bowel microbiome on an individual and perhaps even at a population level. To date, this has not been examined. Here, we compare small bowel microbial profiles in subjects before SARS-CoV-2 and intra-pandemic. Methods: The REIMAGINE study is a large-scale study using validated methods for duodenal aspirate collection and microbiome sequencing in subjects undergoing upper endoscopy. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: pre-pandemic, from February 2019 to March 2020;and intrapandemic, from April 2021 to September 2021. Groups were matched for gender, age, and BMI. Duodenal aspirates were collected, and microbial DNA was isolated using the MagAttract PowerSoilDNA Kit. V3 and V4 libraries were sequenced on a MiSeq. Reference-based Operational Taxonomic Unit clustering was performed using SILVA v132 database. Taxonomic analysis was performed with CLC Microbial Genomics Module v.2.5 and MicrobiomeAnalyst, and duodenal microbial alpha- and beta-diversity indices were calculated. Significance was determined by Wilcox test. Results: In total 94 subjects were included in the analysis. The overall duodenal microbiome profile (beta-diversity) of intra-pandemic subjects (n=38, mean age= 51 ± 18, mean BMI =23.9 ± 4.7) was significantly different from pre-pandemic subjects (n=56, mean age= 51 ± 15, mean BMI = 25.24 ± 4.9)(p<0.002, Fig1A), with no significant changes in duodenal microbial alpha diversity between groups (Fig1B). Significant duodenal microbial taxonomic differences were identified between groups, including changes in the relative abundance (RA) of 2 phyla, 3 classes, 6 orders, 4 families and 23 genera (Fig2A). At the phylum level, Actinobacteria RA was significantly decreased in the intra vs. the pre group (FC=-1.99, P=9.83E-8, Fig2B). Additionally, at the genus level, RA of Rothia (P= 6.85E-7), Pseudomonas (P=0.0376), and Escherichia (P=0.0092) were significantly decreased in the intra group (Fig2A). Of note, the phylum Deinococcus (P=0.0016) was increased in the intra vs. the pre group (Fig2B). Conclusion: In this first study examining the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the small bowel microbiome, we show substantial changes in microbial profiles intra-pandemic as compared to pre-pandemic. The duodenal microbiome of intra-pandemic subjects was associated with less disrupter bacteria (Escherichia and Pseudomonas), commonly associated with GI disorders. In contrast, Deinococcus phylum was increased intra-pandemic. This phylum includes organisms resistant to sanitation and increased in the nasal passage of people during the pandemic. The short and long term impact of these changes on human health require further study.(Figure Presented)

COVID-19 VACCINATION IN AN INNER-CITY UROLOGY POPULATION FROM SEPTEMBERdOCTOBER 2021

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: New Jersey has the fourth highest death rate due to COVID-19 in the United States over the past year and a half. As of October 2021, 66% of the New Jersey population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The objective of this study is to examine the demographics and rate of vaccination of patients in an underserved, inner-city urology clinic population in Newark, New Jersey. METHODS: Anonymous surveys were distributed during urology clinics in Newark recording patient's age, sex, race, insurance status, reason for clinic visit, other medical problems, previous COVID infection, infection of family members with COVID, COVID vaccination status and type, reasons for forgoing the vaccine, and likelihood of receiving the vaccine in the future. Data from 246 surveys administered from 9/27/2021 - 10/25/2021 was compiled and analyzed with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: 78% of the clinic patients were men of the average age of 60. The population was primarily patients of Hispanic (45.9%) and African American (41.9%) descent. 9.3% of patients were white, 1.5% asian, and 1.5% “other”. 55.2% of patients had managed medicaid, 15.4% had medicare, 16.7% were uninsured, 12.2% had charity care, and 0.4% were incarcerated. Many patients never had a COVID-19 infection (79.7%) and neither did any of their family members (79.3%). 78.5% of patients received a COVID vaccination, the most popular one being Moderna (47.4%) followed by Pfizer (44.9%), and Johnson & Johnson (7.7%). Of the 21.5% of patients who were not vaccinated, 55.8% did not plan to receive the vaccine, 30.8% were unsure, and 13.4% said they would in the future. When asked about their reasons for deferring the vaccine, 61.5% of unvaccinated patients expressed concern about the vaccine's short term side effects, long term side effects or a combination of the two. The other 38.5% reported wanting to wait to see how others responded to the vaccine, reported lack of information about the vaccine, mentioned wanting to avoid unnecessary medication, believed they didn't need the vaccine, or were unable to register for it. The unvaccinated patients were predominantly African American (48.1%), male (76.9%), and of the average age of 51. 80.8% of unvaccinated patients never had covid and for 82.7%, neither did any of their family members. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccine reluctance continues to be a national issue. We were encouraged by the higher than expected vaccination rates in our clinic. Further measures should be taken to elucidate the perceived side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine to encourage vaccine use.

Impact of COVID-19 on nationwide pediatric otolaryngology practice: Adenotonsillectomies (TA) and tonsil-related diagnoses trends.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Adenotonsillectomies (TA), Tonsil Related Cases (TC), and Peritonsillar Abscess (PTA) Trends. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Cohort Study. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System® (PHIS) database, which consists of 51 children's hospitals. Regions were defined according to PHIS rules with at least five children's hospitals per region. We compared monthly total TA, TC, TC as a proportion of all hospital visits, and PTA from all encounters at each hospital from January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2021. RESULTS: Compared to 2019, April 2020 saw mean TC drop significantly from 371.62 to 68.37 (p < 0.001). Interestingly, June, September, and December 2020 had significantly higher mean TC compared to 2019. TC as a proportion of all hospital visits decreased significantly throughout the majority of 2021. Similarly, TA significantly decreased during 2020 and 2021 across all regions in the US, starting in March 2020 and this reduction in TA extended through the end of 2021 without any signs of recovery. PTA rates did not change significantly over the three years. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic-plagued 2020 saw a noticeable decrease in overall TC and TA but then rebounded quickly to even higher than pre-pandemic levels. However, this rebound halted for the majority of 2021 and subsequently decreased to lower than pre-pandemic levels, which differs from other communicable pathologies such as otitis media which decreased initially then recovered to pre-pandemic levels by Summer of 2021.

Implementation of E-Learning in New Taipei City During COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions around the world have closed, affecting more than 60% of students and causing massive disruption to the education system. Taiwan is no exception. For this sudden and dramatic change, teachers, students, and parents all confront significant challenges. In order to make specific suggestions for improvement, the study aims to explore the current state of e-learning in Taiwan and to understand the difficulties faced by teachers, parents, and students. The study conducted in-depth interviews with 20 teachers, 12 parents, and 24 students. The research results show that in New Taipei City, there are barely any online courses for grades 1 and 2, blended learning is mainly for grades 3 and 4, and synchronous e-learning is designed for grades 5 and 6. The main challenges in adopting e-learning in primary schools include, as follows: (i) Teachers, parents, and students are unfamiliar with the user interface of the e-learning platform. (ii) Insufficient hardware and software equipment at home. (iii) Teachers cannot take care of special students. (iv) Communication between teachers and parents is not smooth. (v) Difficulty in assessing learning progress online. (vi) Students are easily distracted from their studies. Based on the above research results, the researchers put forward specific suggestions for future online teaching practices. © 2022 by the authors;licensee Modestum. All Rights Reserved.