ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an unprecedented crisis to the global health sector1. When recovering COVID-19 patients are discharged in accordance with throat or nasal swab protocols using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the potential risk of re-introducing the infection source to humans and the environment must be resolved2,3,4. Here we show that 20% of COVID-19 patients, who were ready for a hospital discharge based on current guidelines, had SARS-CoV-2 in their exhaled breath ([~]105 RNA copies/m3). They were estimated to emit about 1400 RNA copies into the air per minute. Although fewer surface swabs (1.3%, N=318) tested positive, medical equipment frequently contacted by healthcare workers and the work shift floor were contaminated by SARS-CoV-2 in four hospitals in Wuhan. All air samples (N=44) appeared negative likely due to the dilution or inactivation through natural ventilation (1.6-3.3 m/s) and applied disinfection. Despite the low risk of cross environmental contamination in the studied hospitals, there is a critical need for strengthening the hospital discharge standards in preventing re-emergence of COVID-19 spread.
ABSTRACT
BackgroundAs of March 11, 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was declared as a pandemic. Expending our understanding of the transmission routes of the viral infection is crucial in controlling the outbreak. It is unclear whether the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) can directly infect the testes or male genital tract and be sexually transmitted from males. MethodsFrom January 31 to March 14, 2020, 12 patients in recovery and one patient died of COVID-19 were included in this descriptive study. The clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, chest CT scans and outcome data were recorded. To examine whether there is sexual transmission from male, we employed realtime polymerase chain reaction testing (RT-PCR) to detect 2019-nCov in semen or testicular biopsy specimen. FindingsThe age range of the 12 patients in recovery was 22-38 years. None of the patients developed severe COVID-19 pneumonia. As of March 14, 2020, ten patients discharged from the hospital while the rest 2 had developed into recovery stage. All of the 12 patients in recovery tested negative for 2019-nCoV RNA in semen samples. Another patient aged 67 died in March 10, 2020, whose tissue sample via testicular biopsy was also tested negative for viral RNA. ConclusionNo positive RT-PCR result was found in the semen or testicular biopsy specimen. The results from this study show no evidence of sexual transmission of 2019-nCov from males.
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Objective To investigate the effect of baicalin on CT26.WT cells of colon cancer in mice, and to discuss the cell death form. Methods CT26.WT cells were divided into four groups including of control group , routine cultured in fresh medium, the baicalin group, added with concentration of 100 μmol·L-1 baicalin, the z-VAD-fmk group, was added with final concentration of 20 μmol·L-1 z-VAD-fmk, and the combination group, added final concentration of 20 μmol·L-1 z-VADfmk,1 h before adding 100 μmol·L-1 baicalin. Then the inhibitory effect of baicalin on cell proliferation and cell viability were detected by CCK-8 method. The changes of nucleus were detected by DAPI staining, the ultrastructure of cells was observed by TEM, and the effect of baicalin on the expression of RIP3 gene and protein in cells was detected by QPCR method and Western blotting. Results Compared with control group, the differences of baicalin group and combination group had statistically significance (P<0.05) . cell death rate for control group was (10.54±0.19) ％ ,for baicalin group was (34.93±0.16) ％ ,for z- VAD group was (11.23±0.59) ％, and combination group was (23.27±1.20) ％ (P<0.01) . Compared with the normal control group, baicalin group showed nuclear concentration and fragmentation. there was obvious nuclear fragmentation in the combination group against baicalin group. The results of electron microscopy showed that the cells of baicalin were necrotic, cell swelling, mitochondria swelling and contents leaking. Baicalin group significantly up - regulated RIP3 mRNA expression (P < 0. 01) and enhanced RIP3 protein expression (P < 0. 05) . Conclusion Baicalin induces the necrosis of ct26. WT cells, and can significantly increase the gene and protein expression of RIP3.
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Objective To investigate clinical significance of plasma D-dimer (D-D),fibrinogen (FIB) and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods The level of plasma D-D,FIB and FDP in 150 patients with COPD and 80 healthy persons were detected,and compared.Results The level of plasma D-D,FIB and FDP in COPD patients were significantly higher than those in healthy persons[(2.16 ± 0.61) mg/L vs.(0.55 ± 0.04) mg/L,(5.88 ± 1.52) g/L vs.(3.12 ± 0.35) g/L,(7.18 ± 1.63) mg/L vs.(3.62 ± 1.55) mg/L],there were significant differences (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion Monitoring the level of plasma D-D,FIB and FDP in COPD patients can provide reliable basis in hypercoagulable state and primary and secondary hyperfibrinolysis.
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Objective:Ghrelin is a brain-gut peptide with GH-releasing,apetide-inducing and anti-inflammation activities and with widespread tissue distribution.Ghrelin is the endogenous ligand of GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR),and both ghrelin and the GHSR are expressed in T cells.We therefore examined the effect of Ghrelin on human T cell and its signal transduction.Methods:Ghrelin-activating mTOR pathway in human primary T cell was studied using immunoblotting and inhibitors of the PI3K(LY294002,3-Methyladenine) or mTOR(rapamycin) and antagonist of GHSR1a(Des-Lys-3-GHRP6).Results:The results showed that GHSR1a was expressed on T cells.Ghrelin caused a significant increase in the phosphorylated mTOR,P70S6K,S6K,4E-BP-1,eIF4G,eIF4E by immunoblotting.While the phosphorylated mTOR,P70S6K were abolished by the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and PI3K inhibitor LY294002,3-methyladenine and also antagonist of GHSR1a,Des-Lys-3-GHRP6.Conclusion:The data document that Ghrelin activates translation of T cells through mTOR pathway.
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Objective To probe the relationship between serum amyloid A and insulin resistance in patient with metabolic syndrome.Methods Parameters of body height,body weight,waistline,SBP,DBP,TG,TC,FPG,and HDL were measured in the group of 40 patients with metabolic syndrome while 30 healthy people were referred as control group.Results The level of serum SAA,HOMA,and IR were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.01),and the other parameters were also indicated significantly difference(except the parameters of age,height,TC,and LDL-C).In patients of metabolic syndrome,the SSA had a positive correlation with body weight,waistline systolic pressure LDL-C,FINS,HOMA and IR,while the SSA had a negative correlation with HDL-C.Conclusion SAA is closely associated with insulin resistance,and it may serve as a marker in patients with metabolic syndrome
