The Role of Self-Esteem in the Relationship Between Psychological Capital and Anxiety of Left-Behind Experience College Students During COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Study

Background There is growing evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on public mental health. However, less attention has been paid to left-behind experience college students (LBEs). This online study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychological capital (PsyCap) and anxiety among LBEs during COVID-19 pandemic, and further analyze the mediation role of self-esteem between them. Methods A total of 9990 students were chosen using the stratified cluster sampling method. Three self-reported questionnaires were used to assess the PsyCap, self-esteem, and anxiety, respectively. All the statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 23.0 and R, and to further investigate the mediation effect of self-esteem in the association of PsyCap with anxiety, AMOS 23.0 was used to build a structural equation model. Results PsyCap, self-esteem, and anxiety were significantly correlated among LBEs during the COVID-19 pandemic. PsyCap affects anxiety directly (β = –0.22, SE = 0.051, 95% CI: –0.27, –0.17, P < 0.05). In addition, self-esteem partially mediated the relationship between PsyCap and anxiety (mediating effect value = –0.16, 95% CI: –0.20, –0.13, P < 0.05). Conclusion During the pandemic of COVID-19, left-behind experience had a negative influence on the PsyCap and self-esteem of college students. In addition, for LBEs, self-esteem plays an important mediating role between PsyCap and anxiety. Therefore, from the perspective of PsyCap and self-esteem, schools should translate them into practical educational strategies to enhance the mental health and mitigate the anxiety levels of LBEs.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation activity in China 2020-2021 during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a report from the Chinese Blood and Marrow Transplantation Registry Group.

Between 2020 and 2021, 31,525 hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCTs) were reported to the Chinese Blood and Marrow Transplantation Registry Group (CBMTRG) throughout mainland China. In this report, we describe the activity and current trends for HSCT in China during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In 2020, a total of 13,415 cases of HSCT were reported from 166 transplant teams, and 75% (10,042 cases) were allogeneic HSCTs. In 2021, a total of 18,110 cases of HSCT were reported from 174 transplant teams, and 70% (12,744 cases) were allogeneic HSCTs. Haploidentical donor (HID) transplantation accounted for 63% (7977 cases) of allogeneic HSCTs in 2021. The most common indications for allogeneic HSCT for malignant disease were acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (37%) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (23%), and the largest proportion of nonmalignant disease comprised aplastic anemia (AA) (13%). The PB stem cell source accounted for 41% of HIDs and 75% of MSDs. The BuCy-based regimen (57%) was the most popular conditioning regimen for allogeneic HSCT, followed by the BuFlu-based regimen (28%) and TBI-based regimen (11%). This survey provides comprehensive information about the current activities and might benefit clinical physicians' decision planning for HSCT.

A general urban spreading pattern of COVID-19 and its underlying mechanism

Currently, the global situation of COVID-19 is aggravating, pressingly calling for efficient control and prevention measures. Understanding the spreading pattern of COVID-19 has been widely recognized as a vital step for implementing non-pharmaceutical measures. Previous studies explained the differences in contagion rates due to the urban socio-political measures, while fine-grained geographic urban spreading pattern still remains an open issue. Here, we fill this gap by leveraging the trajectory data of 197,808 smartphone users (including 17,808 anonymous confirmed cases) in nine cities in China. We find a general spreading pattern in all cities: the spatial distribution of confirmed cases follows a power-law-like model and the spreading centroid human mobility is time-invariant. Moreover, we reveal that long average traveling distance results in a high growth rate of spreading radius and wide spatial diffusion of confirmed cases in the fine-grained geographic model. With such insight, we adopt the Kendall model to simulate the urban spreading of COVID-19 which can well fit the real spreading process. Our results unveil the underlying mechanism behind the spatial-temporal urban evolution of COVID-19, and can be used to evaluate the performance of mobility restriction policies implemented by many governments and to estimate the evolving spreading situation of COVID-19.

Transcription regulation of SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 by Sp1: a potential therapeutic target (preprint)

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a major cell entry receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Induction of ACE2 expression may represent an effective tactic employed by SARS-CoV-2 to facilitate its own propagation. However, the regulatory mechanisms of ACE2 expression after viral infection remain largely unknown. By employing an array of 45 different luciferase reporters, we identify that the transcription factor Sp1 positively and HNF4 negatively regulate the expression of ACE2 at the transcriptional levels in HPAEpiC cells, a human lung epithelial cell line. SARS-CoV-2 infection promotes and inhibits the transcription activity of Sp1 and HNF4, respectively. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which is activated by SARS-CoV-2 infection, is a crucial node for induction of ACE2 expression by increasing Sp1 phosphorylation, an indicator of its activity, and reducing HNF4 nuclear location. Furthermore, we show that colchicine could inhibit the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby suppressing ACE2 expression. Inhibition of Sp1 by either its inhibitor mithramycin A or colchicine reduces viral replication and tissue injury in Syrian hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2. In summary, our study uncovers a novel function of Sp1 in regulating ACE2 expression and suggests that Sp1 is a potential target to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection.

A Modified Regimen of 21-day Nab-Paclitaxel Plus Gemcitabine in Locally Advanced or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: A Retrospective Real-World Study.

BACKGROUND: It is 1 of the standard treatment options for metastasis pancreatic cancer to receive nab-paclitaxel (125 mg/m2) plus gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2) on days 1, 8 and 15 every 28 days. Some patients showed intolerance and inconvenience to this therapeutic regimen. Thus, we conducted this retrospective real-world study to determine the efficacy and tolerability of a modified 21-day nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (nab-P/Gem) regimen for the first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Patients with locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with nab-paclitaxel (125 mg/m2) plus gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2) on days 1 and 8 every 21-day at West China Hospital and Shang Jin Hospital of Sichuan University from Mar 2018 to Dec 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical characteristics of patients were collected. The progression-free survival, overall survival, objective response rate, disease control rate, and toxicity were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients who received the modified regimen of 21-day nab-P/Gem chemotherapy were included. The median overall survival was 9.3 months and the median progression-free survival was 4.4 months. The objective response rate and disease control rate were 18.6% and 56.7%, respectively. The median relative dose intensity for this modified regimen was 65%. The adverse events were mild to moderate, and the most common grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse events were neutropenia (21%) and leukopenia (16%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that this modified regimen of 21-day nab-P/Gem for locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer had comparable efficacy and tolerable toxicity. This treatment may provide a considerable option for pancreatic cancer patients who desire a modified schedule. The modified regimen of 21-day nab-P/Gem is also an option worth considering during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic for minimizing the number of visits and limiting the risk of exposure.

Digital and physical factors influencing an individual's preventive behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan: A perspective based on the S-O-R model.

COVID-19 has caused considerable stress to individuals and communities. Daily press briefings on public health during the COVID-19 pandemic have increased individuals' feelings of social pressure. Abrupt changes to a person's immediate environment, such as the changes caused by COVID-19, can substantially affect their mental health and cognitive adjustment. On the basis of the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework, we examined the effects of digital and physical stimuli related to COVID-19 in Taiwan on individuals' psychological states and preventive behavior, including social distancing and personal hygiene. The data obtained from 498 valid survey questionnaires indicated that digital and physical factors including informativeness, social pressure, and severity exerted direct effects on cognitive assimilation and anxiety, which in turn affected individuals' preventive behavior. Moreover, cognitive assimilation and anxiety had significant mediating effects on the relationships of informativeness, social pressure, and severity with individuals' preventive behavior. The results of this study indicate how digital and physical stimulus factors affect cognitive assimilation and anxiety, which influence preventive behavior during a pandemic.

Mental health status of infected children between 7 to 12 years old in Fangcang Shelter Hospital during the COVID-19 Shanghai lockdown in 2022: a cross-section study.

Background: There has been an increase in research on the potential adverse effects on children's mental health, especially depression and anxiety, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic over the past few months. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate depression and anxiety symptoms among children in shelter hospitals during the 2022 Shanghai lockdown. Methods: A total of 98 infected children aged 7-12 years were enrolled in this study between April 19 and June 4, 2022. The Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), Anxiety Scale for Children-Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASC-ASD), and Anxiety Scale or Children-Autism Spectrum Disorder Parent Form (ASC-ADS-P) were used to assess children's depression and anxiety symptoms. Children's guardians completed the survey by verbally asking their child/children the questions. The guardians additionally completed the ASC-ASD-P. Results: The prevalence of depression and anxiety was 12.2% and 13.3%, respectively. A total of 66 respondents reported no physical symptoms. Linear regression showed that myalgia [7.198, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.163-11.232], headache (7.189, 95% CI: 3.842-10.535) coryza (5.362, 95% CI: 2.654-8.070), and number of quarantine days (4.378, 95% CI: 3.409-5.348) were significantly correlated with higher levels of depression, whereas chills (14.337, 95% CI: 9.799-18.875), coryza (9.309, 95% CI: 6.467-12.152), headache (7.193, 95% CI: 3.182-11.204), myalgia (5.571, 95% CI: 0.684-10.459), number of quarantine days (3.190, 95% CI: 1.796-4.584), and gender (male) (-4.137, 95% CI: -6.609 to 1.665) were associated with anxiety scores. Persistent fever was correlated with depression (P=0.007), whereas physical discomfort, such as persistent fever, cough, sore throat, headache, myalgia, and coryza were correlated with anxiety (all P<0.05). Conclusions: The findings of the present study indicated a moderate prevalence of depression and anxiety among infected children in a shelter hospital during the 2022 Shanghai lockdown. Therefore, the findings of this study could provide scientific basis for the development of targeted psychological intervention. It could be helpful for policy-makers to focus on psychological health among infected children and help to optimize future interventions.

Inspiration for COVID-19 Treatment: Network Analysis and Experimental Validation of Baicalin for Cytokine Storm.

Background: Cytokine storm (CS) is a systemic inflammatory syndrome and a major cause of multi-organ failure and even death in COVID-19 patients. With the increasing number of COVID-19 patients, there is an urgent need to develop effective therapeutic strategies for CS. Baicalin is an anti-inflammatory and antiviral traditional Chinese medicine. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic mechanism of baicalin against CS through network analysis and experimental validation, and to detect key targets of CS that may bind closely to baicalin through molecular docking. Method: Access to potential targets of baicalin and CS in public databases. We constructed the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of baicalin and CS by Cytoscape 9.0 software and performed network topology analysis of the potential targets. Then, the hub target was identified by molecular docking technique and validated in the CS model. Finally, GO and KEGG pathway functional enrichment analysis of common targets were confirmed using R language, and the location of overlapping targets in key pathways was queried via KEGG Mapper. Result: A total of 86 overlapping targets of baicalin and CS were identified, among which MAPK14, IL2, FGF2, CASP3, PTGS2, PIK3CA, EGFR, and TNF were the core targets. Moreover, it was found that baicalin bound most closely to TNF through molecular docking, and demonstrated that baicalin can effectively inhibit the elevation of TNF-α in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, bioenrichment analysis revealed that the TNF signaling pathway and IL-17 signaling pathway may be potential key pathways for baicalin to treat CS. Conclusion: Based on this study, baicalin was identified as a potential drug for the alleviation of CS, and the possible key targets and pathways of baicalin for the treatment of CS were elucidated to reveal the main pharmacological mechanisms.

Ileocolic Thrombophlebitis and Lymphadenitis Mimicking Acute Appendicitis as a Late Manifestation in a COVID-19 Patient: A Case Report

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease, manifesting primarily as a lung infection with fever and respiratory symptoms. However, it also has a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Right lower quadrant (RLQ) abdominal pain is a common complaint for patients seeking care at emergency departments. In addition to appendicitis, the other possible causes include diverticular disease, epiploic appendagitis, Crohn’s disease, or mesenteric lymphadenitis, among others. Mesenteric ischemia is an uncommon, but crucial cause of abdominal pain, necessitating early diagnosis and treatment. Herein, we report a 47-year-old man who presented to our emergency department complaining of RLQ abdominal pain following recovery from COVID-19. CT was performed due to concern for acute appendicitis. However, mesenteric thrombophlebitis and lymphadenitis in the ileocolic branch were noted on CT. His abdominal pain improved after receiving anticoagulation therapy. This case describes an uncommon etiology of RLQ abdominal pain that should be considered as a late complication of COVID-19.

Kidney health in the COVID-19 pandemic: An umbrella review of meta-analyses and systematic reviews.

Background: This umbrella review aims to consolidate evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses investigating the impact of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) on kidney health, and the associations between kidney diseases and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Methods: Five databases, namely, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Ovid Medline, were searched for meta-analyses and systematic reviews from January 1, 2020 to June 2, 2022. Two reviewers independently selected reviews, identified reviews for inclusion and extracted data. Disagreements were resolved by group discussions. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of all included reviews using ROBIS tool. A narrative synthesis was conducted. The characteristics and major findings of the included reviews are presented using tables and forest plots. The included meta-analyses were updated when necessary. The review protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021266300). Results: A total of 103 reviews were identified. Using ROBIS, 30 reviews were rated as low risk of bias. Data from these 30 reviews were included in the narrative synthesis. Ten meta-analyses were updated by incorporating 119 newly available cohort studies. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients had a notable acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence of 27.17%. AKI was significantly associated with mortality (pooled OR: 5.24) and severe conditions in COVID-19 patients (OR: 14.94). The pooled prevalence of CKD in COVID-19 patients was 5.7%. Pre-existing CKD was associated with a higher risk of death (pooled OR: 2.21) and disease severity (pooled OR: 1.87). Kidney transplant recipients were susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection (incidence: 23 per 10,000 person-weeks) with a pooled mortality of 18%. Conclusion: Kidney disease such as CKD or recipients of kidney transplants were at increased risk of contracting COVID-19. Persons with COVID-19 also had a notable AKI incidence. AKI, the need for RRT, pre-existing CKD and a history of kidney transplantation are associated with adverse outcomes in COVID-19. Systematic review registration: www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021266300, identifier: CRD42021266300.

Contrasting Patterns in the Early Stage of SARS-CoV-2 Evolution between Humans and Minks.

One of the unique features of SARS-CoV-2 is its apparent neutral evolution during the early pandemic (before February 2020). This contrasts with the preceding SARS-CoV epidemics, where viruses evolved adaptively. SARS-CoV-2 may exhibit a unique or adaptive feature which deviates from other coronaviruses. Alternatively, the virus may have been cryptically circulating in humans for a sufficient time to have acquired adaptive changes before the onset of the current pandemic. To test the scenarios above, we analyzed the SARS-CoV-2 sequences from minks (Neovision vision) and parental humans. In the early phase of the mink epidemic (April to May 2020), nonsynonymous to synonymous mutation ratio per site in the spike protein is 2.93, indicating a selection process favoring adaptive amino acid changes. Mutations in the spike protein were concentrated within its receptor-binding domain and receptor-binding motif. An excess of high-frequency derived variants produced by genetic hitchhiking was found during the middle (June to July 2020) and late phase I (August to September 2020) of the mink epidemic. In contrast, the site frequency spectra of early SARS-CoV-2 in humans only show an excess of low-frequency mutations, consistent with the recent outbreak of the virus. Strong positive selection in the mink SARS-CoV-2 implies that the virus may not be preadapted to a wide range of hosts and illustrates how a virus evolves to establish a continuous infection in a new host. Therefore, the lack of positive selection signal during the early pandemic in humans deserves further investigation.

Glycyrrhetinic acid: A potential drug for the treatment of COVID-19 cytokine storm.

BACKGROUND: The cytokine storm (CS) triggered by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused serious harm to health of humanity and huge economic burden to the world, and there is a lack of effective methods to treat this complication. PURPOSE: In this research, we used network pharmacology and molecular docking to reveal the interaction mechanism in the glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) for the treatment of CS, and validated the effect of GA intervention CS by experiments. STUDY DESIGN: First, we screened corresponding target of GA and CS from online databases, and obtained the action target genes through the Venn diagram. Then, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment of the action target genes were acquired by R language to predict its mechanism. Next, molecular docking was performed on core targets. Finally, experiments in which GA intervened in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced CS were implemented. RESULTS: 84 action target genes were obtained from online database. The PPI network of target genes showed that TNF, IL6, MAPK3, PTGS2, ESR1 and PPARG were considered as the core genes. The results of GO and KEGG showed that action target genes were closely related to inflammatory and immune related signaling pathways, such as TNF signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, Human cytomegalovirus infection, PPAR signaling pathway and so on. Molecule docking results prompted that GA had fine affinity with IL6 and TNF proteins. Finally, in vivo and in vitro experimental results showed that GA could significantly inhibit LPS-induced CS. CONCLUSION: GA has a potential inhibitory effect on CS, which is worthy of further exploration.

COVID-19 Illness Severity in the Elderly in Relation to Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian Diets: A Single-Center Experience.

The first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Taiwan occurred in May 2021. The risk for and severity of this disease vary and are highly dependent on personal habits and comorbidities. Moreover, the gut microbiome, which may be affected by diet, is highly susceptible with regard to the risk and severity of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. The relationship between dietary habits, nutritional status, and the effects of these factors on the immune system in the context of a global pandemic is an extremely important topic of immediate concern. Hence, the aim of this study was to explore the effect of vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets on COVID-19 severity during the pandemic. We conducted a retrospective evaluation of 509 patients who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 at a single medical center between May 2021 and August 2021. Patients were divided into three groups according to disease severity. For patients aged ≥65 years, COVID-19 symptom severity was statistically significantly and inversely associated with the adherence to a vegetarian diet (p = 0.013). Moreover, subgroup analysis results showed that older COVID-19 patients and those with a non-vegetarian diet had a higher risk of contracting critically severe COVID-19 [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 5.434, p = 0.005]. Further research is needed to determine the effects of dietary habits on COVID-19 risk and severity during the global pandemic.

Potential natural products that target the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein identified by structure-based virtual screening, isothermal titration calorimetry and lentivirus particles pseudotyped (Vpp) infection assay.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters cells through the binding of the viral spike protein with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), resulting in the development of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To date, few antiviral drugs are available that can effectively block viral infection. This study aimed to identify potential natural products from Taiwan Database of Extracts and Compounds (TDEC) that may prevent the binding of viral spike proteins with human ACE2 proteins. METHODS: The structure-based virtual screening was performed using the AutoDock Vina program within PyRX software, the binding affinities of compounds were verified using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), the inhibitions of SARS-CoV-2 viral infection efficacy were examined by lentivirus particles pseudotyped (Vpp) infection assay, and the cell viability was tested by 293T cell in MTT assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: We identified 39 natural products targeting the viral receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in silico. In ITC binding assay, dioscin, celastrol, saikosaponin C, epimedin C, torvoside K, and amentoflavone showed dissociation constant (K d) = 0.468 µM, 1.712 µM, 6.650 µM, 2.86 µM, 3.761 µM and 4.27 µM, respectively. In Vpp infection assay, the compounds have significantly and consistently inhibition with the 50-90% inhibition of viral infection efficacy. In cell viability, torvoside K, epimedin, amentoflavone, and saikosaponin C showed IC50 > 100 µM; dioscin and celastrol showed IC50 = 1.5625 µM and 0.9866 µM, respectively. These natural products may bind to the viral spike protein, preventing SARS-CoV-2 from entering cells. SECTION 1: Natural Products. TAXONOMY CLASSIFICATION BY EVISE: SARS-CoV-2, Structure-Based Virtual Screening, Isothermal Titration Calorimetry and Lentivirus Particles Pseudotyped (Vpp) Infection Assay, in silico and in vitro study.

Inspiration for COVID-19 Treatment: Network Analysis and Experimental Validation of Baicalin for Cytokine Storm

Background: Cytokine storm (CS) is a systemic inflammatory syndrome and a major cause of multi-organ failure and even death in COVID-19 patients. With the increasing number of COVID-19 patients, there is an urgent need to develop effective therapeutic strategies for CS. Baicalin is an anti-inflammatory and antiviral traditional Chinese medicine. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic mechanism of baicalin against CS through network analysis and experimental validation, and to detect key targets of CS that may bind closely to baicalin through molecular docking. Method: Access to potential targets of baicalin and CS in public databases. We constructed the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of baicalin and CS by Cytoscape 9.0 software and performed network topology analysis of the potential targets. Then, the hub target was identified by molecular docking technique and validated in the CS model. Finally, GO and KEGG pathway functional enrichment analysis of common targets were confirmed using R language, and the location of overlapping targets in key pathways was queried via KEGG Mapper. Result: A total of 86 overlapping targets of baicalin and CS were identified, among which MAPK14, IL2, FGF2, CASP3, PTGS2, PIK3CA, EGFR, and TNF were the core targets. Moreover, it was found that baicalin bound most closely to TNF through molecular docking, and demonstrated that baicalin can effectively inhibit the elevation of TNF-α in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, bioenrichment analysis revealed that the TNF signaling pathway and IL-17 signaling pathway may be potential key pathways for baicalin to treat CS. Conclusion: Based on this study, baicalin was identified as a potential drug for the alleviation of CS, and the possible key targets and pathways of baicalin for the treatment of CS were elucidated to reveal the main pharmacological mechanisms.

Innovative technology-enhanced social work service during COVID-19: How ‘Garden on the Balcony’ promoted resilience, community bonds and a green lifestyle

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has motivated social workers to reckon with and transform traditions in service delivery. The development, application, and evaluation of technology-enhanced practices have become more vital than ever. Garden on the Balcony (GOB) was an innovative internet-based social work service designed to respond rapidly to the COVID-19 outbreak in Beijing. This paper introduces the underlying perspectives and design of GOB and reports participants’ reflections on the program to understand its mechanisms and implications. Interview data from GOB participants were collected 4 months after the program ended. Thematic analysis generated three major themes, suggesting that GOB had (a) promoted individual resilience and family cohesion;(b) built online and offline community bonds;and (c) cultivated a green lifestyle and spiritual reflection on life. This study demonstrates a practical example of the effective use of technology-enhanced practice. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Qualitative Social Work is the property of Sage Publications, Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

The Evolution Model of Public Risk Perception Based on Pandemic Spreading Theory under Perspective of COVID-19

After the occurrence of public health emergencies, due to the uncertainty of the evolution of events and the asymmetry of pandemic information, the public’s risk perception will fluctuate dramatically. Excessive risk perception often causes the public to overreact to emergencies, resulting in irrational behaviors, which have a negative impact on economic development and social order. However, low-risk perception will reduce individual awareness of prevention and control, which is not conducive to the implementation of government pandemic prevention and control measures. Therefore, it is of great significance to accurately evaluate public risk perception for improving government risk management. This paper took the evolution of public risk perception based on the COVID-19 region as the research object. First, we analyze the characteristics of infectious diseases in the evolution of public risk perception of public health emergencies. Second, we analyze the characteristics of risk perception transmission in social networks. Third, we establish the dynamic model of public risk perception evolution based on SEIR, and the evolution mechanism of the public risk perception network is revealed through simulation experiments. Finally, we provide policy suggestions for government departments to deal with public health emergencies based on the conclusions of this study.

ONLINE GAMING: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF SITUATIONAL ENGAGEMENT IN FACILITATING PLAYER VALUE

Online gaming continues to grow exponentially, and Pokémon Go has been among the most popular mobile games since its launch in 2016. Media attention on the game has been immense, with particular focus on two of its key aspects: augmented reality and location-based gaming. The incorporation of new technologies into mobile devices to create enhanced gaming environments has transformed traditional gaming behavior and expectations. By applying activity theory, we determined that context facilitation and intrinsic motivation influence players' situational engagement in the creation of player value in online gaming. We gathered 479 valid survey responses from experienced Pokémon Go players for use as empirical data to test this study's hypotheses. The empirical results revealed that 1) context facilitation and intrinsic motivation have direct effects on situational engagement, 2) situational engagement has a direct effect on player value, and 3) situational engagement partially mediates the effects of context facilitation and intrinsic motivation on player value.

Emerging nanomaterials applied for tackling the COVID-19 cytokine storm.

During the global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a hyperinflammatory state called the cytokine storm was recognized as a major contributor to multiple organ failure and mortality. However, to date, the diagnosis and treatment of the cytokine storm remain major challenges for the clinical prognosis of COVID-19. In this review, we outline various nanomaterial-based strategies for preventing the COVID-19 cytokine storm. We highlight the contribution of nanomaterials to directly inhibit cytokine release. We then discuss how nanomaterials can be used to deliver anti-inflammatory drugs to calm the cytokine storm. Nanomaterials also play crucial roles in diagnostics. Nanomaterial-based biosensors with improved sensitivity and specificity can be used to detect cytokines. In summary, emerging nanomaterials offer platforms and tools for the detection and treatment of the COVID-19 cytokine storm and future pandemic.

Signatures of adaptive evolution during human to mink SARS CoV2 cross species transmission inform estimates of the COVID19 pandemic timing (preprint)

One of the unique features of SARS-CoV-2 is that it mainly evolved neutrally or under purifying selection during the early pandemic. This contrasts with the preceding epidemics of the closely related SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, both of which evolved adaptively. It is possible that the SARS-CoV-2 exhibits a unique or adaptive feature which deviates from other coronaviruses. Alternatively, the virus may have been cryptically circulating in humans for a sufficient time to have acquired adaptive changes for efficient transmission before the onset of the current pandemic. In order to test the above scenarios, we analyzed the SARS-CoV-2 sequences from minks (Neovision vision) and parenteral human strains. In the early phase of the mink epidemic (April to May 2020), nonsynonymous to synonymous mutation ratios per site within the spike protein was 2.93, indicating a selection process favoring adaptive amino acid changes. In addition, mutations within this protein concentrated within its receptor binding domain and receptor binding motif. Positive selection also left a trace on linked neutral variation. An excess of high frequency derived variants produced by genetic hitchhiking was found during middle (June to July 2020) and early late (August to September 2020) phases of the mink epidemic, but quickly diminished in October and November 2020. Strong positive selection found in SARS-CoV-2 from minks implies that the virus may be not unique in super-adapting to a wide range of new hosts. The mink study suggests that SARS-CoV-2 already went through adaptive evolution in humans, and likely been circulating in humans at least six months before the first case found in Wuhan, China. We also discuss circumstances under which the virus can be well-adapted to its host but fail to induce an outbreak.