Genome Sequences of COVID-19 from Jordanian Patients in Comparison with the Global Pandemic Strains and the Transmission Route

In this research study, we reported a pioneer investigation on the phylogenetic profile of genomic sequences and the prevalence of COVID-19 strains in Jordan;in comparison with global strains, as part of concerted global efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 28 genome sequences of the hCoV-19/Jordan strain were employed in this study. The phylogenetic analysis of the genome sequences of hCoV-19/Jordan strain, which was conducted on the databases of NCBI and GASAID revealed that the hCoV-19/Jordan strain belongs to the G, V, and S clades with distribution coverage rates of 89%, 7% and 4%, respectively. Comparison of the hCoV-19/Jordan clades with global clades distribution profile showed evidently and conclusively, a unique pandemic profile of multiple geographical sources of COVID-19, imported into Jordan primarily through cryptic means from European countries (UK, Belgium, Sweden, Russia) and Morocco, which are entry points into Jordan. This is due to the reciprocal heavy air traffic route between Jordan and the capitals of these European countries, with Morocco being the primary entry point into Jordan. The results of this study represent a marked addition to investigations on the prevalence rate of the hCovid-19/Jordan strain in comparison to the global strains sequences, and provides a better understanding on comparative diagnosis technique for COVID-19 worldwide. Phylogenetic analysis of the top 100 and top 10 taxonomic trees revealed almost identical homology (99.98% - 100%) between hCoV-19/Jordan strain and the strains that broke out in Wuhan, the MT642226.1. Furthermore, it can be inferred that there was no marked change in the virus mutation that occurred during the period of this study taking into cognizance the fact that there was identical homology (99.98% - 100%) among the 28 sequences of hCoV-19/Jordan strains. Similarly, all sequences of the Jordanian strains of hCoV-19/Jordan were compared to the England and American strains and showed identical homology of (99.98% - 100%).

The Only Way to Eradicate COVID-19 Pandemic from the World

The novel Coronavirus disease or COVID-19 is a new contagious, dangerous, and deadly viral/immunological systemic disorder with predominantly respiratory features caused by human infection with SARS-CoV-2, which is rapidly spreading from person-to-person all around the world as a pandemic. If the COVID-19 pandemic is not controlled, and then eradicated, it will probably cause the extinction of the human race in the coming years or decades! It shows the fastest multiple genetic mutation for SARS-CoV-2 in the development of the disease. According to the author of this article, an effective vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 will not be made any time soon or may never be made. If it is made, due to the need to use the vaccine several times a year, the staggering cost of vaccine production, its potentially insufficient effect in preventing COVID-19, its possible side effects, and the complexity of its equitable distribution worldwide, it cannot be a significant success in preventing the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, the only way to eradicate COVID-19 pandemic is: simultaneous, synchronized, and universal quarantine for at least 40 days for all the people of the planet as staying at home for 99% of them and staying at workplace for another 1%, that because of the need for their key job, they need to be present at work. By applying the COVID-19 Referral System for screening people infected with SARS-CoV-2 and Persian Gulf Criteria for diagnosis of COVID-19, we recommend home isolation for mild cases of COVID-19 and hospitalization in Corona Center for severe cases. Also, along with these, more and more SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests should be performed using highly sensitive kits, and the principles of prevention of becoming infected with the SARS-CoV-2 should be followed carefully and as soon as possible. By applying all the above, success in controlling and suppressing the SARS-CoV-2 epidemics is anticipated.

Is There a Relationship between COVID-19 Infection and the Occurrence of Anencephaly? Observation of the Maternity of Mohammed the VI University Hospital of Marrakech

Introduction: Morocco has experienced, like the whole world, the COVID-19 pandemic. Until the writing of this article, a subjective observation of the increase in the number of anencephaly has been observed in our facility. And since the teratogenic potential of the SARS Cov 2 virus is not sufficiently documented, we wondered if there would be a relationship between the relatively high number of anencephalic fetuses and COVID-19 infection. Aim: the objective of the study is to look for a possible correlation between the period of conception of these anencephalies and the pandemic. Material and methods: This is a retrospective study (from June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2022 in the Obstetrics Gynecology department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, CADI AYYAD UNIVERSITY Marrakech Morocco) consisting of the analysis of the number of patients in the target embryonic period (namely the closure of the neural tube: D18 to D30 of embryonic life) compared to the reference curves of the evolution of the SARS Cov2 pandemic. Results: The analysis of the number of patients at the target embryonic phase shows that many of our anencephalons (63%) were conceived during periods of high diffusion of the SARS Cov 2 virus in Morocco. Conclusion: Our study suggests a relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the occurrence of anencephaly, we cannot, however, highlight the type of direct or indirect relationship that binds them. Therefore, further studies should be considered to better investigate this relationship.

COVID-19疫情期间医院投诉问题分析及应对措施

收集COVID-19疫情防控期间青岛某三级甲等综合医院投诉管理中心2020年1月—2月投诉问题共469件,对受理的投诉问题与投诉原因进行分析,查找医院存在的不合理制度和流程,协调相关部门及时修正、改进与完善,在满足疫情防控前提下,保障患者诊疗服务,降低投诉发生率。

Mathematical Modelling of the COVID-19 Epidemic in Northern Ireland in 2020

In this study, we investigate the dynamics of the COVID-19 epidemic in Northern Ireland from 1st March 2020 up to 25th December 2020, using several copies of a Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) compartmental model, and compare it to a detailed publicly available dataset. We split the data into 10 time intervals and fit the models on the consecutive intervals to the cumulative number of confirmed positive cases on each interval. Using the fitted parameter estimates, we also provide estimates of the reproduction number. We also discuss the limitations and possible extensions of the employed model.

论突发公共卫生事件中的国际法律责任——以COVID-19疫情为例的分析

《国际卫生条例(2005)》作为国际法领域应对突发公共卫生事件的核心规范,对缔约国提出诸多国际义务,违约将可能构成国际不法行为并产生国家责任。就新冠肺炎疫情期间,我国政府被个别组织及个人起诉个案,但事实分析表明我国已积极履行条约所规定的国家义务,未出现任何国际不法行为,无须承担国际法律责任。本文结合国际法律责任制度的法理分析,提出完善突发公共卫生事件国际法律责任的相关建议。

Tackling SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: The Way Forward

The world is engaged in containing the COVID Pandemic and controlling further spread and deaths. The global spread of the virus has overwhelmed health systems, and caused widespread social and economic disruption. Some nations have done a better job than rest of the world. The global spread of the virus has overwhelmed health systems, and caused widespread social and economic disruption. There is a strong case that COVID-19 could be with us in one way or another until a vaccine comes on the market or herd immunity is achieved. A long crisis, could stretch the international order to its breaking point. The virus has succeeded in confining almost all human beings in their homes. Balancing act between public health crisis and complex societal implications is an inescapable necessity. The pandemic will alter the world forever. An economic slowdown, severe recession, plummeting revenue, increased expenditure, and mental health issues could be the emerging challenges. There will be increased confidence in technology and nations will invest more in public health. We are passing through fragile and critical times in history. People around the world can prevail in response to this extraordinary challenge. Investing in public health, preparedness, and relying on science will bring a better future. Think of one world, one humanity to shape and secure our future.

Estimating the Level of Asymptomatic COVID-19 Infections in Northern Ireland in 2020

The identification and understanding of COVID-19 potential routes of transmission are fundamental to informing policies and strategies to successfully control the outbreak. Various studies highlighted asymptomatic infections as one of the silent drivers of the epidemic. An accurate estimation of the asymptomatic cases and the understanding of their contribution to the spread of the disease could enhance the effectiveness of current control strategies, mainly based on the symptom onset, to curb transmission. We investigate the dynamics of the COVID-19 epidemic in Northern Ireland during the period 1st March 25th to December 2020 to estimate the proportion of the asymptomatic infections in the country. We extended our previous model to include the stage of the asymptomatic infection, and we implement the corresponding deterministic model using a publicly available dataset. We partition the data into 11 sets over the period of study and fit the model parameters on the consecutive intervals using the cumulative number of confirmed positive cases for each interval. Moreover, we assess numerically the impacts of uncertainty in testing and we provide estimates of the reproduction numbers using the fitted parameters. We found that the proportion of asymptomatically infectious subpopulations, in Northern Ireland during the period of study, ranged between 5% and 25% of exposed individuals. Also, the estimate of the basic reproduction number, R0, is 3.3089. The lower and upper estimates for herd immunity are (0.6181, 0.7243) suggesting that around 70% of the population of Northern Ireland should acquire immunity via infection or vaccination, which is in line with estimates reported in other studies.

India’s COVID-19 Catastrophe: Cause, Effect &Future Trends

The COVID crisis in India shows no sign of abating. The country of 1.4 billion has passed 30.5 million COVID-19 infections and over 402,000 deaths. Even government figures are likely underestimated due to problems with testing and reporting in the country. Reasonable estimates due to under reporting and lack of testing put these figures at three times higher. The new cases and deaths are predicted to rise by September 2021. The situation is bad in the main cities, but also that it is worse in the poorer and rural areas where lack of healthcare resources has made those populations most vulnerable to the disease. There is an urgent need for rapid tests for quantification of infectiousness to triage patients. In traumatised India, saving lives has become the highest priority to be achieved by vaccinating 70 per cent of the adult population. Over 200 million population have been vaccinated. India’s monthly COVID vaccine manufacturing capacity is about 60 - 65 million doses against the final requirement of 1.45 billion doses to cover 70 per cent adults. Even though the second surge is on a decline in most of the states, mucormycosis continues to be a public health concern. There are 41,000 mucormycosis cases reported during the second wave. Daily increase in Delta plus variant cases should alert the Policy-makers. It has a very high transmissibility. Genomic testing & surveillance of mutations to limit fresh twist of pandemic is a necessity. Only a few drugs have emerged as approved COVID-19 treatments. Where are we with drug treatment? Over 30 billion USD have been spent on vaccine development because it has a market. Very little is spent on research on drug discovery. There has not been any significant antibiotic molecule for the last two decades. Politics has played and continues to play a big part in the spread of the virus but it is a situation that needs a global approach. Tiding over a pandemic requires detailed preparation at multiple levels on the part of the State. New ways to prevent, detect, track and treat SARS-CoV-2 infections are crucial keeping in view the rise of more-transmissible viral mutants like Delta plus.

Seasonal Effect of Sunlight on COVID-19 among Countries with and without Lock-Downs

Objective: The main aim of the study was to determine whether COVID-19 epidemiological data reported by countries in different hemispheres correlated with the seasons of the year. Since stay-at-home orders could be a main factor affecting the time individuals spent outdoors, the progression of COVID-19 in countries that mandated the most stringent lock-downs and stay-at-home orders was compared to countries in the same hemisphere that did not order their citizens to remain at home. Methods: Infections attributed to COVID-19 per million inhabitants, deaths per infections × 100, and deaths per million inhabitants from different countries were analyzed utilizing national reports registered in the Johns’ Hopkins database together with the most recent world population data. The null hypothesis (no difference between countries with and without lock-downs) was tested (two tailed test, p < 0.01) for each paired set of data according to well established statistical analysis. Results: The shift of highest infection rates from countries in the northern-towards countries in the southern-hemisphere during early 2020 and the reverse in December of the same year correlates with the seasonal variation in the flux of germicidal sunlight. Mortality rate for the same virus among different countries did not show a seasonal component. COVID-19 infection mortality rate was considerably lower in developing countries of South America (11 of the largest countries) than in several (at least 8) developed European countries. Discussion: COVID-19 resulted in higher infections during winter than in summer. The finding of a seasonal component, correlating the progression of the pandemic with local solar flux, demonstrates that infectious virus in the environment plays a role in the pandemic since direct person-to-person transmission would afford little time for solar inactivation. Similar epidemiological data amongst “locked” and “unlocked” countries demonstrates that lock-downs and similar confining measures had no effect on the chances of healthy individuals becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 or dying of COVID-19.

Instituting Pandemic Plans in a Singapore Anaesthesia Unit: The Challenges and Learning Points

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a pandemic on 11 March 2020. Its rapid spread has put a strain on healthcare systems globally. Singapore ranked the highest in terms of reported cases outside of China in the first few weeks of this outbreak. The management of a patient with COVID-19 in the Operating Theatre (OT) presents a unique set of challenges to the Anaesthetist. Delivery of timely and quality care must be upheld while reducing the risk of transmission to healthcare staff and other patients. This article describes our Anaesthesia Unit’s experiences and challenges in instituting our pandemic plans. The authors hope that the sharing of our experience and practical approach would be useful to other Anaesthesia Units worldwide.

Risk Groups and Mortality in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 from Family Medicine Unit No. 43 in Southeastern Mexico

SARS-CoV-2 infection is a viral disease that causes respiratory infections that can cause multiple complications. Patients with adjacent morbidities have a higher chance of complications and mortality. The National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) in 2018 reported that in Mexico, 75.2% of adults aged 20 years and over are overweight and obese, both situations are closely related to the cases reported as severe COVID and even with a higher risk of mortality. The main objective was to evaluate the risk and mortality groups in patients with SARS-CoV-2 from family medicine in the south of México. The study was carried out during the 2020 year, in the Family Medicine Unit No. 43 of Villahermosa, Tabasco, a cross-sectional, retrospective investigation was carried out with an analytical approach, and the sample was obtained using the formula of n for infinite populations that correspond to 215, patients were included who met the selection criteria;3 groups were integrated: DM2, HAS and obesity. Descriptive statistics andχ2 formula were used, using the SPSS version 25 Windows program. The female gender presented the highest number of infections 122 (56.7%) and mortality: 5 (2.32%), obesity comorbidity presented the highest number of infections: 194 (90.2%), HAS: 153 (71.2%), and MD: 44 (20.46%). Complications were observed in 23 (10.69%), distributed in: SIRA: 7 (3.3%), multiple organ failure: 6 (2.8%), heart failure: 6 (2.8%) and pneumonia 4 (1.9%). The observed mortality was 8 (3.72%). The comorbidities of patients with the highest mortality were: SAH: 6 (75%) (χ2 = 9.169;df = 1;p = 0.010) and obesity: 6 (75%) (χ2 = 9.169;df = 1;p = 0.010). The group with the highest risk for SARS-CoV-2 was patients with overweight/obesity comorbidities. Mortality was 3.7%. The patients who died had at least one or more comorbidities. The main complications were ARIS, heart failure, and multiple organ failure.

四川省首例COVID-19婴儿病例分析及文献复习

目的探讨1例输入性、家庭聚集性严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2(SARS-CoV-2)感染的2+个月龄新型冠状病毒疾病(COVID-19)婴儿的临床流行病学资料及影像学资料特点,并进行文献复习。方法选择2020年2月7日,四川省金堂县第一人民医院收治的2+个月龄COVID-19婴儿为研究对象。采用回顾性分析方法,收集该例婴儿的临床病例资料,对其临床流行病学特点、影像学资料、诊断、治疗方案及预后进行分析。本研究对报道COVID-19婴儿的相关文献进行复习,设定检索策略为:以“婴儿”“新型冠状病毒肺炎”“新型冠状病毒疾病”“2019-nCoV”“NCP”“SARS-CoV-2”“COVID-19”“infant”等为关键词,在PubMed、Medline、中国知网、维普中文科技期刊数据库、万方数据知识服务平台,以及“医学界儿科频道”等公众平台及新闻网站中,检索相关文献,检索时间设定为2019年12月1日至2020年2月21日。总结符合本研究纳入、排除标准的文献中报道的COVID-19婴儿临床特点及其诊断、治疗方案与预后。本研究遵循的程序符合2013年修订的《世界医学协会赫尔辛基宣言》要求。结果①病史采集、诊断、治疗结果:患儿,男性,生后2个月+29 d;2020年1月18日,患儿姨妈自武汉返蓉,密切接触后,患儿出现气促、轻微咳嗽、腹泻等症状。入院后,患儿检查结果显示,肺炎支原体及衣原体、甲型及乙型流感病毒抗原均呈阴性。胸部CT检查结果显示,患儿双肺胸膜下多发性浅淡磨玻璃病灶。2次鼻咽拭子SARS-CoV-2核酸检测均呈阳性。根据流行病学史、临床与影像学表现及核酸检测结果,确诊为普通型COVID-19患儿。经过对症治疗后,患儿气促、咳嗽临床症状消失,胸部影像学检查结果显示,肺部炎症病灶吸收,SARS-CoV-2核酸检测呈阴性。目前,患儿继续观察中,等候出院。②文献复习结果:按照本研究设定的文献检索策略,共计检索出5篇国内有关婴儿COVID-19文献及2篇婴儿COVID-19新闻报道,涉及18例COVID-19婴儿的临床特点、诊断、治疗方案及预后等研究。这18例COVID-19婴儿,均具有家庭聚集性、输入性感染特点(武汉COVID-19患者接触史)。其中,3例新生儿及其母亲均为SARS-CoV-2感染者。出生后,对2例新生儿进行有效隔离,无感染者接触史。这18例COVID-19婴儿的首发症状为:发热5例(27.8%)、咳嗽及下呼吸道症状3例(16.7%)、打喷嚏及吐奶1例(5.6%)、无症状3例(16.7%)、病史不详6例(33.3%)。其中,7例婴儿文献报道胸部CT检查结果,并且均存在异常,表现为双肺或单侧肺纹理增粗、磨玻璃影和(或)实变影。除2例婴儿未报道预后情况外,其余16例婴儿均预后良好,无死亡病例报道。结论文献报道的COVID-19婴儿及纳入本研究的1例婴儿,均具有输入性、家庭聚集性感染特点,而且对新生儿患者,目前尚不能排除母婴垂直传播可能性。对于临床症状相对较轻,肺部病变范围相对较小且局限的COVID-19婴儿,一般预后较好。在COVID-19暴发流行期,应尽可能加强儿童,特别是婴儿的防护,避免输入性、家庭聚集性SARS-CoV-2感染。

运用六经辨证治疗新型冠状病毒肺炎的思考

分析六经辨证在新型冠状病毒肺炎治疗中的运用策略。通过临床症状分析、方剂用药总结及治疗方案归纳,认为疫病辨证多可归于六经,防治所用方剂亦符合经方方证相应原则,可运用六经辨证方法辨治新型冠状病毒肺炎。并举验案1则。

新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情防控常态化下中医药临床研究实践与管理的思考

自新型冠状病毒肺炎(简称“新冠肺炎”)疫情发生以来,中医药在新冠肺炎防治中发挥了独特疗效,同时,新冠肺炎疫情也给中医药临床研究带来了机遇与重大的挑战。通过梳理并分析新冠肺炎疫情防控常态化下关于新冠肺炎中医药临床研究实践与管理中存在的问题,对中医药临床研究的选题与立项、方案设计、医学伦理审查、研究实施、科研管理等方面进行思考和探索,以期为疫情期间新冠肺炎中医药临床研究项目科学、规范地实施提供若干建议。

上海地区居民对中医药抗击新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情接受度调查分析

目的 调查上海地区居民对中医药抗击新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情(简称“新冠疫情”)的接受程度。方法 采用方便、自愿抽样的方法,抽样调查上海市部分医务人员、社区防疫志愿者和居民对中医药抗击新冠疫情的接受程度。结果 (1)共回收有效调查问卷662份,662位调查对象中男性占41.1%,年龄以20~60岁为主,从事医疗行业者占29.2%;单因素分析结果显示,性别、年龄、从事行业、教育水平、个人月收入等对中医药接受度均无明显影响。(2)本次调查中,639人相信中医药治疗,占96.5%;相信中医药治疗的调查对象中,584人以前使用过中医药(占91.4%),600人表示将推荐其他人使用中医药抗击新冠疫情(占93.9%),500人推荐采用单独中医药处方抗击新冠疫情(占78.2%)。(3)与没用过中医药的调查对象相比,以前使用过中医药的调查对象更愿意推荐其他人使用中医药抗击新冠疫情(P=0.004);既往使用过中医药的调查对象更担忧中医药的口味和其他问题(P=0.054,P=0.003),既往没用过中医药的调查对象更担忧中医药的有效性和安全性问题(P=0.005,P=0.045)。(4)上海地区居民对中医药的需求十分广泛,但以治疗、预防和科普的需求最为强烈,频次分别为452次、443次、424次。结论 上海地区居民对中医药及中医药抗击新冠疫情有很高的接受度,建议针对现实需求进一步发挥中医药在防疫中的重要作用。

新冠防疫背景下“人类卫生健康共同体”的构建:内涵、实践与意义

“人类卫生健康共同体”是中国国家主席习近平在新冠肺炎疫情背景下提出的、面向世界各国共同守护全人类生命安全的倡议。其内容包含“以人为本”的健康观,“休戚与共”的利益观,“共克时艰”的合作观。在新冠防疫背景下,中国用实际行动构建“人类卫生健康共同体”,将人民生命健康摆在首位,采取全面、彻底的举措遏制疫情;从人类整体利益出发,为世界抗疫赢得窗口期;开展国际抗疫援助与合作,为应对公共卫生危机贡献中国力量。构建“人类卫生健康共同体”具有重要意义,不仅丰富发展了人类命运共同体的内涵,体现了中国的责任担当,也为促进全球公共卫生治理与人类健康发展提供了“中国方案”。

当前新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情形势及各国防控措施调整对我国的影响

新型冠状病毒肺炎(Corona Virus Disease 2019,COVID-19,简称“新冠肺炎”)在全球范围内持续流行并且尚无消退迹象。然而,自2022年2月起越来越多的国家和地区放宽防控措施,选择与病毒共存。我国是目前全球唯一坚持“动态清零”政策的国家,如何平衡疫情防控与经济社会民生是我国当前面临的重大问题。本文对当前全球疫情形势、流行病学特征变化、疫苗与治疗药物研发应用和境外国家防控措施调整情况进行综述,分析了疫情和当前国内外防控政策对我国经济社会民生可能造成的不利影响,并对我国防控措施调整提出科学建议。

A Vaccine Is Coming but Prevention Is Still up to Us

Despite having a better understanding of the COVID-19 disease, we are facing significant challenges regarding behaviors that enforce the lack of adherence to public health recommendations including the use of face masks and vaccine acceptability. Lessons learned from the 1918 flu pandemic, highlight the importance of wearing a face mask in conjunction with adherence to other public health recommendations. There are two key factors that influence how our communities are translating scientific evidence, denialism and ignorance. Sadly, a real consequence of this pandemic among a significant number of patients with COVID-19 disease is denial. As health care providers we need to take part in addressing these issues and educate our communities especially during this time where we see a second and larger uptake of COVID-19 cases. Fighting denialism and ignorance represents a significant challenge to our society and could have a substantial positive impact on helping with vaccine acceptability and other public health recommendations.

新型冠状病毒肺炎暴发与大流行的流行病学调查及应对策略

目的探讨新型冠状病毒肺炎暴发与大流行的流行病学调查及应对策略。方法分析新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情暴发后流行病学调查实践工作经验,提出疫情国际大流行背景下的应对策略和方法。结果新型冠状病毒肺炎暴发的流行病学调查与控制工作的要点包括:流行病学证据及证据链,疫情事件传染源确定,传染源控制,传播途径切断,高危人群分类管理等。提出了加强国境卫生检疫,加强信息收集与信息分享,加强主动监测并开展以病例为核心的线索追踪,加快疫苗研发进度等新型冠状病毒肺炎大流行的应对策略。结论及时调整和完善应对策略,对进一步做好新型冠状病毒肺炎防控工作至关重要。