Molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of canine coronavirus from domestic dogs in Chengdu, China from 2020 to 2021 using a multiplex RT-PCR.

Recent reports on identification of canine coronavirus (CCoV) in humans have emphasized the urgency to strengthen surveillance of animal CoVs. The fact that recombinations between CCoV with feline, porcine CoVs brought about new types of CoVs indicated that more attention should be paid to domestic animals like dogs, cats and pigs, and the CoVs they carried. However, there are about ten kinds of CoVs that infect above animals, and thus representative CoVs with zoonotic potentials were considered in this study. Multiplex RT-PCR against CCoV, Feline coronavirus (FCoV), porcine deltacoronavirus and porcine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus was developed to investigate the prevalence of CoVs from domestic dogs in Chengdu, Southwest China. Samples from a total of 117 dogs were collected from a veterinary hospital, and only CCoV (34.2%, 40/117) was detected. Therefore, this study focused on CCoV and its characteristics of S, E, M, N and ORF3abc genes. Compared with CoVs that are capable of infecting humans, CCoV strains showed highest nucleotide identity with the novel canine-feline recombinant detected from humans (CCoV-Hupn-2018). Phylogenetic analysis based on S gene, CCoV strains were not only clustered with CCoV-II strains, but also closely related to FCoV-II strains ZJU1617 and SMU-CD59/2018. As for assembled ORF3abc, E, M, N sequences, CCoV strains had the closest relationship with CCoV-II (B203_GZ_2019, B135_JS_2018 and JS2103). What's more, specific amino acid variations were found, especially in S and N proteins, and some mutations were consistent with FCoV, TGEV strains. Altogether, this study provided a novel insight into the identification, diversification and evolution of CoVs from domestic dogs. It is of top priority to recognize zoonotic potential of CoVs, and continued comprehensive surveillance will help better understand the emergence, spreading, and ecology of animal CoVs.

Understanding citizens' satisfaction with the government response during the COVID-19 pandemic in China: comprehensive analysis of the government hotline

PurposeThe objective of this study was to analyse the influencing factors of citizens' dissatisfaction with government services during the COVID-19 pandemic to help government departments identify problems in the service process and possible countermeasures.Design/methodology/approachThe authors first used cosine interesting pattern mining (CIPM) to analyse citizens' complaints in different periods of the pandemic. Second, the potential evaluation indices of customer satisfaction were extracted from the hotline business system through a hypothesis analysis and modelled using multiple regression analysis. During the index transformation and standardization process, a machine-learning algorithm of clustering and emotion analysis was adopted. Finally, the authors used the random forest algorithm to evaluate the importance of the indicators and obtain the indicators more important to citizen satisfaction.FindingsThe authors found that the complaint topic, appeal time, urgency of citizens' complaints, citizens' emotions, level of detail in the case record, and processing timeliness and efficiency significantly influenced citizens' satisfaction. When the government addresses complaints in a more standardized and efficient manner, citizens are more satisfied.Originality/valueDuring the pandemic, government departments should be more patient with citizens, increase the speed of the case circulation and shorten the processing period of appeals. Staff should record appeals in a more standardized manner, highlighting themes and prioritizing urgent cases to appease citizens and relieve their anxiety.

Epidemiology and Molecular Characterizations of Coronavirus from Companion Animals Living in Chengdu, Southwest China

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has once again caught the attention of people on the probable zoonotic transmission from animals to humans, but the role of companion animals in the coronavirus (CoV) epidemiology still remains unknown. The present study was aimed to investigate epidemiology and molecular characterizations of CoVs from companion animals in Chengdu city, Southwest China. 523 clinical samples from 393 animals were collected from one veterinary hospital between 2020 and 2021, and the presence of CoVs was detected by end-point PCR using pan-CoV assay targeting the RdRp gene. Partial and complete S genes were sequenced for further genotyping and genetic diversity analysis. A total of 162 (31.0%, 162/523) samples and 146 (37.2%, 146/393) animals were tested positive for CoVs. The positive rate in rectal swabs was higher than that in eye/nose/mouth swabs and ascitic fluid but was not statistically different between clinically healthy and diseased ones. Genotyping identified twenty-two feline enteric coronavirus (FCoV) I, four canine enteric coronavirus (CECoV) I, fourteen CECoV IIa, and one CECoV IIb, respectively. Eight complete S genes, including one canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV) strain, were successfully obtained. FCoV strains (F21071412 and F21061627) were more closely related to CECoV strains than CRCoV, and C21041821-2 showed potential recombination event. In addition, furin cleavage site between S1 and S2 was identified in two strains. The study supplemented epidemiological information and natural gene pool of CoVs from companion animals. Further understanding of other functional units of CoVs is needed, so as to contribute to the prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases.

Effects of COVID-19 vaccination status, vaccine type, and vaccination interval on IVF pregnancy outcomes in infertile couples.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore whether the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination of both partners in infertile couples, different types of COVID-19 vaccines, and the interval between complete vaccination and oocyte retrieval or embryo transfer (ET) affect the quality of embryos and pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study, comprising 735 infertile couples conducted between December 6, 2021, and March 31, 2022, in a single university hospital-based IVF center. The patients were divided into different groups according to the vaccination status of both partners in infertile couples, type of vaccine, and interval between complete vaccination and IVF treatment. The embryo quality and pregnancy rates were compared among different groups. RESULTS: The results showed that embryo quality and pregnancy rates had no significant differences among different groups. The multivariate regression model showed that the vaccination status of both infertile couples, types of vaccines, and intervals had no significant effects on the clinical pregnancy rate. CONCLUSIONS: The vaccination status of both partners in infertile couples, different types of vaccines, and time intervals have no effect on embryo quality and pregnancy rates in IVF. This is the first study to compare the vaccination status of both partners in infertile couples and the impact of different vaccine types on pregnancy rates and embryo quality in detail. Our findings provide evidence of vaccine safety for infertile couples wishing to undergo IVF treatment. This evidence is crucial for decision-making by clinicians and policymakers involved in IVF cycles.

Nursing Care of 26 Infants Born to Mothers With COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread throughout the world; yet, there are few reports of neonatal cases. Thus, information about related clinical care experience is scarce. CLINICAL FINDINGS: This case report includes 26 infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Tongji Hospital in Wuhan City who were born to mothers with suspected/confirmed COVID-19. The nursing and medical staff implemented care of these infants in strict accordance with infection control measures. INTERVENTION: Emergency measures for the prevention and control of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in the NICU were developed, and neonatal isolation, observation, and treatment were performed. OUTCOMES: Vital signs of the 26 infants remained stable during isolation and treatment, and no complications occurred. During the study period, neither the infants nor the nursing and medical staff were infected with SARS-CoV-2. PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS: Based on our strict practices, infants born to mothers with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 should receive care in a single-patient room to support infection control and provide enhanced observation. During initial contact and nursing care, increased attention should be given to the protection of infants born to mothers with suspected/confirmed COVID-19.

Changes in sexual behaviour, anxiety symptoms, and quality of couple relationship of patients with infertility during the COVID-19 lockdown.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the perceived changes in sexual behaviour during COVID-19 lockdown, anxiety symptoms, and couple relationship of patients with infertility. METHODS: We performed an observational cross-sectional study between 20 November 2020 and 15 January 2021. We used stratified analysis of different stress levels and Quality of Marriage Index (QMI) scores to compare the perceived changes in sexual behaviour, anxiety symptoms, and couple relationship. The logistic regression model was performed to assess factors correlated with couples' relationship quality during the lockdown. Furthermore, we performed pathway analyses to assess whether the changes in sexual behaviour, stress level, or psychological anxiety during the lockdown could predict the quality of couple relationship. RESULTS: A total of 940 patients with infertility were included in this study. When we conducted a stratified analysis of the participants, significant differences were found between the changes in their sexual behaviour, stress levels, and couple relationship quality. The logistic regression model showed that sex, anxiety symptoms, decreased sexual satisfaction, sexual activity frequency, and income levels were closely related to couple relationship quality. Pathway analyses indicated that changes in their sexual behaviour, anxiety symptoms, and stress levels could all predict the quality of couple relationship. CONCLUSIONS: The perceived changes in sexual behaviour with different stress levels and couple relationship quality showed significant differences. Analysing the related factors that affect the quality of couple relationship, especially in times of crisis, is of great significance as this information can contribute to the improvement of treatment for patients with infertility.

The Impact of Postponed Fertility Treatment on the Sexual Health of Infertile Patients Owing to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: With the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic at the beginning of 2020, all non-essential medical treatments were suspended, including fertility treatments. As a unique group in society, patients with infertility may be more sensitive and vulnerable in the face of pressure and crisis. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports on the influence of postponed fertility treatment on the sexual health of infertile patients owing to COVID-19. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether postponed fertility treatment resulting from COVID-19 affects the sexual health of patients with infertility. Methods: A total of 1,442 participants were included for analysis in this large-scale study. Those with postponed fertility treatment were categorised as group A (n = 474), whereas those whose fertility treatment was not delayed were in group B (n = 968). The sexual health and psychological well-being were compared between the two groups. Results: The total Female Sexual Function Index score and five domains of female sexual function (arousal ability, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and coital pain) were significantly lower in group A than those in group B (p < 0.05). The International Index of Erectile Dysfunction score and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool score were significantly higher in group A than those in group B (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Delaying fertility treatment obviously affects patients' sexual and mental health. Through a structural equation model, we observed that postponed fertility treatment mediates sexual health by regulating psychological distress and couple relationship quality.

Reinfection rates among patients previously infected by SARS-CoV-2: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic or symptomatic infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be followed by reinfection. The protection conferred by prior infection among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients is unclear. We assessed the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection and the protection effect of previous infection against reinfection. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov for publications up until the end date of May 1, 2021. The reinfection rate of recovered patients and the protection against reinfection were analyzed using meta-analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 19 studies of 1096 reinfection patients were included. The pooled reinfection rate was 0.65% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39-0.98%). The symptomatic reinfection rate was a bit lower (0.37% [95% CI 0.11-0.78%], I2 = 99%). The reinfection rate was much higher in high-risk populations (1.59% [95% CI 0.30-3.88%], I2 = 90%). The protection against reinfection and symptomatic reinfection was similar (87.02% [95% CI 83.22-89.96%] and 87.17% [95% CI 83.09-90.26%], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 is relatively low. The protection against SARS-CoV-2 after natural infection is comparable to that estimated for vaccine efficacy. These data may help guide public health measures and vaccination strategies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. High-quality clinical studies are needed to establish the relevant risk factors in recovered patients.

Comparative effectiveness and safety of 32 pharmacological interventions recommended by guidelines for coronavirus disease 2019: a systematic review and network meta-analysis combining 66 trials.

BACKGROUND: The global pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a major public health problem and presents an unprecedented challenge. However, no specific drugs were currently proven. This study aimed to evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of pharmacological interventions in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)/SARS-CoV. Random-effects network meta-analysis within the Bayesian framework was performed, followed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system assessing the quality of evidence. The primary outcome of interest includes mortality, cure, viral negative conversion, and overall adverse events (OAEs). Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated as the measure of effect size. RESULTS: Sixty-six RCTs with 19,095 patients were included, involving standard of care (SOC), eight different antiviral agents, six different antibiotics, high and low dose chloroquine (CQ_HD, CQ_LD), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), corticosteroids (COR), and other treatments. Compared with SOC, a significant reduction of mortality was observed for TCM (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.20-0.56, moderate quality) and COR (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.75-0.96, low quality) with improved cure rate (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.60-2.91, low quality for TCM; OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.05-1.30, low quality for COR). However, an increased risk of mortality was found for CQ_HD vs. SOC (OR = 3.20, 95% CI: 1.18-8.73, low quality). TCM was associated with decreased risk of OAE (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.38-0.70, very low quality) but CQ_HD (OR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.20-5.24) and interferons (IFN) (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.02-7.08) vs. SOC with very low quality were associated with an increased risk. CONCLUSIONS: COR and TCM may reduce mortality and increase cure rate with no increased risk of OAEs compared with standard care. CQ_HD might increase the risk of mortality. CQ, IFN, and other antiviral agents could increase the risk of OAEs. The current evidence is generally uncertain with low-quality and further high-quality trials are needed.

Sexual and psychological health of couples with azoospermia in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: To date, there have been no reports on the sexual and psychological health of patients with azoospermia during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Previous studies on the sexual health of couples with azoospermia are limited and are especially lacking in data on the wives of azoospermic men. METHODS: We conducted a case-control cross-sectional study between 1 July 2020 and 20 December 2020. In total, 100 couples with azoospermia comprised the experimental group and 100 couples with normozoospermia comprised the control group. The couples' sexual health was measured using standardised sexual function questionnaires (male: International Index of Erectile Function-15 [IIEF-15] and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool [PEDT]; female: Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI]) and a self-designed questionnaire to evaluate changes in sexual behaviours (sexual satisfaction, desire, frequency of sexual activity, masturbation, and pornography use) during lockdown. The couples' psychological health was measured using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) was used to analyse the associations between sexual health and psychological health. RESULTS: The IIEF-15 scores (53.07 ± 11.11 vs. 57.52 ± 8.57, t =  - 3.17, p = 0.00) were lower and the PEDT scores (6.58 ± 3.13 vs. 5.17 ± 2.22, t = 3.67, p = 0.00) and incidence of premature ejaculation (χ 2 = 14.73, p = 0.00) were higher for men with azoospermia than for men with normozoospermia. Compared with those of wives of men with normozoospermia, the total FSFI scores (25.12 ± 5.56 vs. 26.75 ± 4.82, t =  - 2.22, p = 0.03) of wives of men with azoospermia were lower. The chi-square test showed that the perceived changes in sexual satisfaction (χ 2 = 7.22, p = 0.03), frequency of masturbation (χ 2 = 21.96, p = 0.00), and pornography use (χ 2 = 10.90, p = 0.01) were significantly different between the female groups with azoospermia and normozoospermia, but there were no significant changes in sexual behaviour between the male groups. The GAD-7 (men: 7.18 ± 5.56 vs. 5.68 ± 4.58, p = 0.04; women: 6.65 ± 5.06 vs. 5.10 ± 3.29, p = 0.01) and PHQ-9 scores (men: 10.21 ± 6.37 vs. 7.49 ± 6.10, p = 0.00; women: 8.81 ± 6.50 vs. 6.98 ± 4.43, p = 0.02) were significantly higher for couples with azoospermia than for couples with normozoospermia. The APIM showed that for couples with azoospermia, sexual function negatively correlated with their own anxiety (men: ß = -0.22, p = 0.00; women: ß = -0.38, p = 0.00) and depression symptoms (men: ß = -0.21, p = 0.00; women: ß = -0.57, p = 0.00) but not with their partner's anxiety and depression symptoms (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Couples with azoospermia had a lower quality of sexual function and higher levels of psychological distress than couples with normozoospermia. Their sexual health negatively correlated with psychological distress.

Colorimetric isothermal nucleic acid detection of SARS-CoV-2 with dye combination.

RT-LAMP detection of SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated to be a valuable diagnostic method for the diagnosis of COVID-191,2, which can rapidly screen carriers of the virus to effectively control the spread of the SARS-CoV-2. Here, we present a combination of dyes for isothermal detection of SARS-CoV-2 as a commercial alternative, with expanded colorimetric spectrum. We compared them with commercial reagents and proved their suitability and sensitivity through clinical RNA samples. In addition, together with commercial single dye indicators, we believe the expanded color spectrum developed here as an indicator of rapid detection will promote the diagnosis of COVID-19.

[Optimization of a fluorescent qPCR detection for RNA of SARS-CoV-2].

We optimized a fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay system for rapid and real time detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The results show that the lowest dilution of RNA samples used for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA could reach 1/10 000 (the initial value is set as 10 ng/µL). Moreover, the cycle threshold (Ct) for samples of clinically diagnosed COVID-19 was lower than 35 or 40. The sensitivity of this method was satisfactory. The results were consistent with those of the COVID-19 detection kit on the market under the same conditions, but the number of cycles required was shortened by about 2. Therefore, the optimized assay developed in this study can be used in screening and early clinical diagnosis. Our work provides a tool to facilitate rapid clinical diagnosis of COVID-19.