Subgroups of self-directed learning ability and their differences in professional identity among nursing undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic: a latent profile analysis.

BACKGROUND: Promoting self-directed learning (SDL) among nursing undergraduates is crucial to meet the new requirements of the healthcare system and to adapt to online learning contexts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, identifying the classification features of SDL ability and developing targeted interventions are both critical. Professional identity (PI) may contribute to the cultivation of SDL ability, but their relationship remains relatively unknown. This study aimed to explore the subgroups of SDL ability and their differences in PI among nursing undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A total of 2438 nursing undergraduates at four universities in China were enrolled in this cross-sectional study from November 2021 to February 2022. The Self-Directed Learning Scale of Nursing Undergraduates (SLSNU) and the Professional Identity Scale for Nursing Students (PISNS) were administered. A latent profile analysis was performed to explore SDL ability latent profiles. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the predictors of profile membership, and a one-way analysis of variance was applied to compare the PI scores in each latent profile. RESULTS: Three latent profiles were identified and labeled 'low SDL ability' (n = 749, 30.7%), 'low initiative of help-seeking' (n = 1325, 54.4%) and 'high SDL ability' (n = 364, 14.9%). Multinomial logistic regression analysis suggested that nursing undergraduates who voluntarily chose a nursing major, had served as a student cadre, and had participated in clinical practicum were less likely to be included in the "low SDL ability" group. The average PI score was statistically different across the three profiles (F = 884.40, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The SDL ability among nursing undergraduates was divided into three profiles, and results show that promoting PI may effectively foster SDL ability. This study highlights the importance of targeted interventions by considering their distinct SDL ability patterns, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gender Differences in Anxiety, Depression, and Nursing Needs Among Isolated Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored gender differences in anxiety, depression, and nursing needs among isolated Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, with a particular focus on the influencing factors. The main goal was to elucidate breakthrough points and intervention targets for psychological counseling aimed at the promotion of overall health during isolation treatment. METHODS: A survey was conducted to obtain information about the nursing needs of COVID-19 patients, with mental health assessed via the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Participants included 219 isolated COVID-19 patients at a Wuhan module hospital in Hubei province, China. RESULTS: A total of 216 valid questionnaires were collected (98.63% retrieval rate). Of these participants, 21.76% had anxiety symptoms, while 17.59% had depression symptoms. Colleagues infected with COVID-19 (OR = 3.896, 95%CI: 1.555-9.764, P = 0.004) were the main influencing factors for anxiety symptoms, while marital status (OR = 2.700, 95% CI: 1.033-7.055, P = 0.043) and family members infected with COVID-19 (OR = 2.969, 95% CI: 1.243-7.095, P = 0.014) were the main influencing factors for depression symptoms. As for gender, male patients were generally more prone to depression and anxiety than female patients, especially those who were infected with colleagues. On the other hand, female patients reported greater concerns about safe treatment environments and communication with medical staff. CONCLUSION: This study found gender-based differences regarding the factors influencing anxiety and depression in isolated COVID-19 patients, with males reporting a greater general tendency for symptoms. On the other hand, female patients reported greater overall psychological nursing needs than males. Targeted nursing should thus be implemented to address specific psychological characteristics and nursing needs.

Subtypes of work engagement in frontline supporting nurses during COVID-19 pandemic: A latent profile analysis.

AIM: The aim was to examine the subgroups of work engagement in frontline nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND: The pandemic may affect the work engagement of nurses who have direct contact with infected patients and lead to a poor quality of care. Identifying classification features of work engagement and tailoring interventions to support frontline nurses is imperative. DESIGN: This study utilized a cross-sectional study design. METHODS: Three hundred fifty-five nurses were enrolled in this cross-sectional study from 14 February to 15 April 2020. A latent profile analysis was performed to identify classification features of work engagement. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine predictors of profile membership. RESULTS: A four-profile model provided the best fit. The four profiles were titled 'low work engagement' (n = 99), 'high vigour-low dedication and absorption' (n = 58), 'moderate work engagement' (n = 63) and 'high work engagement' (n = 135). A regression analysis suggested that young nurses and nurses who were the only children of their family were more likely to be in the 'low work engagement' and 'high vigour-low dedication and absorption' groups. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of tailoring interventions for frontline supporting nurses by considering their distinct work engagement patterns, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, to improve the promotion of work satisfaction and quality of care. IMPACT: This was the first study to explore the latent profiles of work engagement in frontline nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 40% of nurses were in the 'low work engagement' and 'high vigour-low dedication and absorption' groups and reported low levels of work engagement. Understanding different patterns of work engagement in frontline nurses can help nursing managers provide emotional, material and organizational support based on the features of each latent profile, which may improve the quality of care and patient safety.

A Vimentin-Targeting Oral Compound with Host-Directed Antiviral and Anti-Inflammatory Actions Addresses Multiple Features of COVID-19 and Related Diseases.

Damage in COVID-19 results from both the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its triggered overactive host immune responses. Therapeutic agents that focus solely on reducing viral load or hyperinflammation fail to provide satisfying outcomes in all cases. Although viral and cellular factors have been extensively profiled to identify potential anti-COVID-19 targets, new drugs with significant efficacy remain to be developed. Here, we report the potent preclinical efficacy of ALD-R491, a vimentin-targeting small molecule compound, in treating COVID-19 through its host-directed antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions. We found that by altering the physical properties of vimentin filaments, ALD-491 affected general cellular processes as well as specific cellular functions relevant to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Specifically, ALD-R491 reduced endocytosis, endosomal trafficking, and exosomal release, thus impeding the entry and egress of the virus; increased the microcidal capacity of macrophages, thus facilitating the pathogen clearance; and enhanced the activity of regulatory T cells, therefore suppressing the overactive immune responses. In cultured cells, ALD-R491 potently inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and human ACE2-mediated pseudoviral infection. In aged mice with ongoing, productive SARS-CoV-2 infection, ALD-R491 reduced disease symptoms as well as lung damage. In rats, ALD-R491 also reduced bleomycin-induced lung injury and fibrosis. Our results indicate a unique mechanism and significant therapeutic potential for ALD-R491 against COVID-19. We anticipate that ALD-R491, an oral, fast-acting, and non-cytotoxic agent targeting the cellular protein with multipart actions, will be convenient, safe, and broadly effective, regardless of viral mutations, for patients with early- or late-stage disease, post-COVID-19 complications, and other related diseases. IMPORTANCE With the Delta variant currently fueling a resurgence of new infections in the fully vaccinated population, developing an effective therapeutic drug is especially critical and urgent in fighting COVID-19. In contrast to the many efforts to repurpose existing drugs or address only one aspect of COVID-19, we are developing a novel agent with first-in-class mechanisms of action that address both the viral infection and the overactive immune system in the pathogenesis of the disease. Unlike virus-directed therapeutics that may lose efficacy due to viral mutations, and immunosuppressants that require ideal timing to be effective, this agent, with its unique host-directed antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions, can work against all variants of the virus, be effective during all stages of the disease, and even resolve post-disease damage and complications. Further development of the compound will provide an important tool in the fight against COVID-19 and its complications, as well as future outbreaks of new viruses.

Clinical characteristics and outcome analysis of 8 cases with COVID-19

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with COVID-19 in Shenyang. Method: Data including clinical characteristics, outcome and laboratory index were obtained and analyzed in eight patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted to the First hospital of China Medical University between January 21, 2020 to February 8, 2020.

The psychological symptoms of patients with mild symptoms of coronavirus disease (2019) in China: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS: To determine psychological symptoms of patients with mild symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 in China and to explore the influencing factors. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: A convenience sample of 296 mild coronavirus disease 2019 patients were recruited from a Fangcang hospital in Wuhan, Hubei Province, from 3-5 March, 2020. Participants were assessed using a sociodemographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire, and Symptom Check List 90. The binary logistic regression was utilized to explore the influencing factors of psychological symptoms of patients with mild symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019. RESULTS: In total, 296 of 299 patients with mild symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 participated in the study (response rate: 99.0%). The findings revealed that 12.8% patients with mild symptoms have mental health problems; the most common psychological symptoms are phobic anxiety (58.4%), paranoid ideation (50.7%) and psychoticism (40.2%). Female patients [OR = 3.587, 95% CI (1.694-7.598)] and those having physical symptoms currently [OR = 2.813, 95% CI (1.210-6.539)] are at higher risk, while those in the middle duration of hospitalization [OR = 0.278, 95% CI (0.121-0.639)] protect against mental-health problems. CONCLUSIONS: The minority of patients with mild symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 were still suffering from psychological symptoms. Healthcare providers are recommended to pay particular attention to screening these high-risk groups (women, those in the initial stages of hospitalization and those with physical symptoms currently) and implement targeted psychological care as required. IMPACT: This study found that most patients of coronavirus disease 2019 in Fangcang hospital exhibited normal mental health at par with the general Chinese norm and the minority of them were suffering from psychological symptoms. The findings can provide a reference for healthcare providers to screen high-risk psychological symptoms groups and implement targeted psychological intervention for patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

The relationship between resilience, anxiety and depression among patients with mild symptoms of COVID-19 in China: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of resilience in anxiety and depression and to clarify their relationships among patients with mild symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China. BACKGROUND: The outbreak of COVID-19 has negatively affected some individuals, but resilience plays a decisive role in the response of individuals under pressure and can help them deal with pressure more effectively. DESIGN: The cross-sectional descriptive correlational survey was reported in line with the STROBE guidelines. SUBJECT AND SETTING: In total, 296 patients from FangCang Hospital in Wuhan, Hubei, China, with mild symptoms of COVID-19 were recruited. METHODS: Participants were recruited through convenience sampling. The data collected included their demographic information, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: A small number of patients in this study had above threshold anxiety (subthreshold anxiety and major anxiety) and depression (subthreshold depression and major depression). The mean total resilience score of the participants was slightly below the normal level of ordinary Chinese adults. Resilience was inversely associated with and was a protective factor for both anxiety and depression in our samples. Risk factors for anxiety include being female and having colleagues with COVID-19, while a risk factor for depression was having family members with COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that after taking the general demographics into consideration, higher levels of resilience were associated with lower anxiety and depression among mild COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Health professionals, especially clinical nurses, need to be aware of the psychological status of COVID-19 patients and promote resilience to improve their mental health.