Historical review and reflections on the participation of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of epidemics in the People’s Republic of China (from 1950 until now)

Since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, both the Communist Party and the government have placed great emphasis on the advancement of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture and moxibustion have been actively involved in combating major epidemics such as malaria, schistosomiasis, and COVID-19. This article conducts a historical review of these three significant cases to elucidate how the acupuncture community has effectively utilized its unique advantages and characteristics through theoretical discussions, clinical practices, experimental research, as well as receiving administrative leadership and political support from the Communist Party of China and government. We provide an objective evaluation of their effectiveness while summarizing historical experiences to serve as a reference for future utilization of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in epidemic relief efforts. Additionally, propose four suggestions: strengthening Party leadership and enhancing political support;timely summarization of experiences to establish programs and systems;deepening scientific research by integrating experimental findings with clinical practice;focusing on public awareness campaigns and education to solidify grassroots foundations.

Ensemble Deep Learning Framework for Situational Aspects-Based Annotation and Classification of International Student’s Tweets during COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe,social media plat-forms became an essential source of information and communication for many.International students,particularly,turned to Twitter to express their struggles and hardships during this difficult time.To better understand the sentiments and experiences of these international students,we developed the Situational Aspect-Based Annotation and Classification(SABAC)text mining framework.This framework uses a three-layer approach,combining baseline Deep Learning(DL)models with Machine Learning(ML)models as meta-classifiers to accurately predict the sentiments and aspects expressed in tweets from our collected Student-COVID-19 dataset.Using the pro-posed aspect2class annotation algorithm,we labeled bulk unlabeled tweets according to their contained aspect terms.However,we also recognized the challenges of reducing data’s high dimensionality and sparsity to improve performance and annotation on unlabeled datasets.To address this issue,we proposed the Volatile Stopwords Filtering(VSF)technique to reduce sparsity and enhance classifier performance.The resulting Student-COVID Twitter dataset achieved a sophisticated accuracy of 93.21%when using the random forest as a meta-classifier.Through testing on three benchmark datasets,we found that the SABAC ensemble framework performed exceptionally well.Our findings showed that international students during the pandemic faced various issues,including stress,uncertainty,health concerns,financial stress,and difficulties with online classes and returning to school.By analyzing and summarizing these annotated tweets,decision-makers can better understand and address the real-time problems international students face during the ongoing pandemic.

Study on Influence of the COVID-19 Epidemic on Tourism Consumption Structure in Shandong Province

At the end of 2019,the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic brought great challenges to the world,and China's tourism industry suffered an unprecedented heavy blow.Exploring the impact of the epidemic on tourism consumption structure has become a research focus in the post-epidemic era.In this study,based on Shandong Tourism Statistics Handbook from 2018 to 2020,taking Shandong Province as an example,the changes of total tourism revenue and tourism consumption structure in Shandong Province before and after the COVID-19 epidemic were compared to predict the development of tourism in Shandong Province in the post-epidemic era and find out existing problems,and optimization paths were put forward for the development of tourism in Shandong Province in the post-epidemic era.

Risk Factors for Severity and Mortality of Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 during the 3rd Wave of the Epidemic-Sao Tome and Principe

Rationale: In the literature, some risk factors for severity and mortality from COVID-19 have been indicated. However, these factors can change, depending on the characteristics of the population and health services. In this sense, longitudinal studies can be useful for understanding local realities and subsidizing health actions based on these realities. Objective: To analyze the risk factors for severity and death in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods: A retrospective cohort of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized from August 1 to October 16, 2021 (3rd wave of the pandemic), notified by the Department of Epidemiological Surveillance of Sao Tome and Principe. We employed measures of strength of associations for the analysis of exposure risk factors. Results: We analyzed 110 hospitalized patients (31.8% severe-critical and 68.2% non-severe). The risk factors for severe forms of COVID-19 were: being aged ≥60 years (RR = 3.3), being male (RR = 2), having comorbidities (RR = 2) and the risk increases to 10-fold for multicomorbidities, with emphasis on obesity, neoplasia, skin-muscle-surgical infection, dementia and to some degree CVD. 62.9% of patients with severe forms of the disease were not vaccinated. Risk factors for death among hospitalized and severe/critical cases, respectively, were having comorbidities (RR = 8 and 2.4) multicomorbidities (RR = 10 and 2.8 for those with 2 comorbidities and RR = 33.3 and 4 for those with 3 or 4 comorbidities), especially diabetes, dementia, neoplasia, cutaneous-muscular infection, and obesity. Although CVD was not associated with risk factors for death, these were the most frequently found among the severely hospitalized and deaths. In addition, important risk factors associated with death were not using corticoids (RR = 3.3, 230-fold risk) and not using anticoagulants-heparin (RR = 1.3, 30% risk) more compared to the severe cases that did use them. Most of the patients who died (63.2%) were not vaccinated. Moreover, having only 1 dose of the vaccine was a risk factor 1.9 times more for death among all hospitalized patients, but in the severe cases, there was no association between the variable vaccination and death. Among those hospitalized with 2 doses, it was a 0.5-fold protective factor among those hospitalized. The Delta variant of Sarscov-2 was the one found among severe cases and deaths investigated by genetic sequencing, with more exuberant clinical features compared to the other 2 previous vaccinations. Conclusion: Being elderly, male and presenting comorbidities, mainly multicomorbidities were the main characteristics associated with severity of COVID-19. On the other hand, comorbidities, and even worse, multicomorbidities, hospitalization for respiratory failure, lowered level of consciousness, no use of corticoid and no use of anticoagulation in critically ill patients, and not having at least 2 doses of vaccine for covid-19, were characteristics associated with death by COVID-19. These results will help inform healthcare providers so that the best interventions can be implemented to improve outcomes for patients with COVID-19. Public health interventions must be carefully tailored and implemented in these susceptible groups to reduce the risk of mortality in patients with COVID-19 and then the risk of major complications. Intensive and regular follow-up is needed to detect early occurrences of clinical conditions.

Analysis on the Changes of Research Hotspots in the Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 by Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Knowledge Graph

Objective: To grasp the changing trend of research hotspots of traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, and to better play the role of traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and other diseases. Methods: The research literature from 2020 to 2022 was searched in the CNKI database, and CiteSpace software was used for visual analysis. Results: The papers on the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 by traditional Chinese medicine changed from cases, overviews, reports, and efficacy studies to more in-depth mechanism research, theoretical exploration, and social impact analysis, and finally formed a theory-clinical-society Influence-institutional change and other multi-dimensional achievement systems. Conclusion: Analyzing the changing trends of TCM hotspots in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 can fully understand the important value of TCM, take the coordination of TCM and Western medicine as an important means to deal with public health security incidents, and promote the exploration of the potential efficacy of TCM, so as to enhance the role of TCM in Applications in social stability, emergency security, clinical practice, etc.

Data Mining and Spatial Analysis of Social Media Text Based on the BERT-CNN Model to Achieve Situational Awareness: a Case Study of COVID-19

In response to the COVID-19,social media big data has played an important role in epidemic warning,tracking the source of infection,and public opinion monitoring,providing strong technical support for China’s epidemic prevention and control work.The paper used Sina Weibo posts related to COVID-19 hashtags as the data source,and built a BERT-CNN deep learning model to perform fine-grained and high-precision topic classificationon massive social media posts.Taking Shenzhen as a region of interest,we mined the“epidemic data bulletin”and“daily life impact”posts during the epidemic for spatial analysis.The results show that the confirmed communities and designated hospitals in Shenzhen as a whole present the characteristics of“sparse east and dense west”,and there is a strong positive spatial correlation between the number of confirmed cases and social media response.Specifically,Nanshan District,Futian District and Luohu District have more confirmed cases due to large population movements and dense transportation networks,and social media has responded more violently,and people’s lives have been greatly affected.However,Yantian District,Pingshan District and Dapeng New District showed opposite characteristics.The case study results further show that using deep learning methods to mine text information in social media is scientifically feasible for improving situational awareness and decision support during the COVID-19.

Impact of COVID-19 Epidemic on the International Food Supply Chain and Countermeasures of Shandong Province

The COVID-19 epidemic has exerted an impact on the global food supply chain,and also has contributed to the tendency of food hoarding and short supply;strong food demand has led to a rapid rise in international food prices,which has put enormous pressure on China's food import,and domestic food price showed a rise trend accordingly.In order to ensure sufficient and stable supply of China's food market,it is necessary to adhere to the food security strategy of"food self-sufficiency"for a long term.In the spring agricultural production,Shandong Province has taken effective measures to stabilize food production and achieved good results.It has not been greatly affected by the COVID-19 epidemic;however,under the continuous spread of foreign epidemics,we must adhere to the dual hard core operation of epidemic prevention and production,and explore the establishment of technical specifications for agricultural production under normal conditions for epidemic prevention and control to ensure the food security.

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.

Analysis of the Role of General Practitioners Services in Rural Areas during the COVID-19 Epidemic

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19,various regions of China have been rapidly deployed under the leadership of the Central Committee of the Party to actively prevent and control the COVID-19.The rural areas of my country have weak links to the prevention and management of public health emergencies.Problems include lack of medical and health resources and farmers’low awareness of epidemic prevention.Situations that correspond to the prevention and management of the COVID-19 are more serious.As the patient’s first contact and“gatekeeper”in the fight against the epidemic,the general practitioner is responsible for the“first visit-subsequent ongoing intervention”.This article is about the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemics and epidemic prevention in terms of dissemination of knowledge,informed crowd control,joint prevention and control,and standardized management of people.This is a summary of the efforts of general practitioners.Quarantine at home,interactive referrals to medical consortiums,special care for contracted families.The function during the management period aims to analyze the role played by general practitioners during the epidemic and to provide new ideas for the prevention and management of the epidemic.Provide more targeted general practitioner-style services in rural areas to promote the implementation and improvement of health and poverty alleviation.The health level of the rural population provides a theoretical standard.

Effects of policies and containment measures on control of COVID- 19 epidemic in Chongqing

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is an emerging,rapidly evolving disease that spreads through the respiratory system and is highly contagious.In March 2020,the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.In China,the pandemic was controlled after 2 mo through effective policies and containment measures.Describing the detailed policies and containment measures used to control the epidemic in Chongqing will provide a reference for the prevention and control of COVID-19 in other areas of the world.AIM To explore the effects of different policies and containment measures on the control of the COVID-19 epidemic in Chongqing.METHODS Epidemiological data on COVID-19 in Chongqing were prospectively collected from January 21 to March 15,2020.The policies and prevention measures implemented by the government during the epidemic period were also collected.Trend analysis was performed to explore the impact of the main policy measures on the effectiveness of the control of COVID-19 in Chongqing.As of March 15,the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 in Chongqing was 1.84/100000(576 cases)and the infection fatality rate was 1.04%(6/576).The spread of COVID-19 was controlled by effective policies that involved establishing a group for directing the COVID-19 epidemic control effort;strengthening guidance and supervision;ensuring the supply of daily necessities and medical supplies and equipment to residents;setting up designated hospitals;implementing legal measures;and enhancing health education.Medical techniques were implemented to improve the recovery rate and control the epidemic.Policies such as“the lockdown of Wuhan”,“initiating a first-level response to major public health emergencies”,and“implementing the closed management of residential communities”significantly curbed the spread of COVID-19.Optimizing the diagnosis process,shortening the diagnosis time,and constructing teams of clinical experts facilitated the provision of“one team of medical experts for each patient”treatment for severe patients,which significantly improved the recovery rate and reduced the infection fatality rate.CONCLUSION The prevention policies and containment measures implemented by the government and medical institutions are highly effective in controlling the spread of the epidemic and increasing the recovery rate of COVID-19 patients.

Understanding the Treatment of COVID-19 and other Epidemics in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Epidemics spread quickly and are highly contagious.And there has been a profound understanding of etiology,pathogenesis,prevention,and treatment of these diseases in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID‑19)falls into the category of“epidemic dampness”,and the core pathogenesis is that latency of externally‑contracted dampness turbidity and epidemic toxin in pleurodiaphragmatic interspace provokes Shaoyang ministerial fire and causes concomitant attack of external and internal pathogens,resulting in wood fire tormenting metal and the upward rushing of dampness fire(toxin),ultimately leading to a syndrome of epidemic toxin blocking the lung.Throughout the treatment of COVID‑19,Professor Shiyun Yan uses the“harmonizing”method and sticks to the basic principles of“protecting middle qi,pectoral qi and yin fluid”to consolidate the root,dispersing externally and clearing internally and using in combination drugs cold and warm in property.The specific treatment approaches include ventilating lung and expelling pathogens,clearing heat and removing the toxin,tonifying qi and nourishing yin,activating blood and resolving stasis,resolving dampness,and dredging collaterals,to prevent the patient’s condition from getting worse and save the dying.

Understanding the Treatment of COVID-19 and other Epidemics in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Epidemics spread quickly and are highly contagious.And there has been a profound understanding of etiology,pathogenesis,prevention,and treatment of these diseases in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)falls into the category of“epidemic dampness”,and the core pathogenesis is that latency of externally-contracted dampness turbidity and epidemic toxin in pleurodiaphragmatic interspace provokes Shaoyang ministerial fire and causes concomitant attack of external and internal pathogens,resulting in wood fire tormenting metal and the upward rushing of dampness fire(toxin),ultimately leading to a syndrome of epidemic toxin blocking the lung.Throughout the treatment of COVID-19,Professor Shiyun Yan uses the“harmonizing”method and sticks to the basic principles of“protecting middle qi,pectoral qi and yin fluid”to consolidate the root,dispersing externally and clearing internally and using in combination drugs cold and warm in property.The specific treatment approaches include ventilating lung and expelling pathogens,clearing heat and removing the toxin,tonifying qi and nourishing yin,activating blood and resolving stasis,resolving dampness,and dredging collaterals,to prevent the patient’s condition from getting worse and save the dying.

Partial Unlock for COVID-19-Like Epidemics Can Save 1 - 3 Million Lives Worldwide

Background: A large percentage of deaths in an epidemic or pandemic can be due to overshoot of population (herd) immunity, either from the initial peak or from planned or unplanned exit from lockdown or social distancing conditions. Objectives: We study partial unlock or reopening interaction with seasonal effects in a managed epidemic to quantify overshoot effects on small and large unlock steps and discover robust strategies for reducing overshoot. Methods: We simulate partial unlock of social distancing for epidemics over a range of replication factor, immunity duration and seasonality factor for strategies targeting immunity thresholds using overshoot optimization. Results: Seasonality change must be taken into account as one of the steps in an easing sequence, and a two-step unlock, including seasonal effects, minimizes overshoot and deaths. It may cause undershoot, which causes rebounds and assists survival of the pathogen. Conclusions: Partial easing levels, even low levels for economic relief while waiting on a vaccine, have population immunity thresholds based on the reduced replication rates and may experience overshoot as well. We further find a two-step strategy remains highly sensitive to variations in case ratio, replication factor, seasonality and timing. We demonstrate a three or more step strategy is more robust, and conclude that the best possible approach minimizes deaths under a range of likely actual conditions which include public response.

The Application of the “3 + 1” Mode in the COVID-19 Epidemic Prevention and Control at the Infection Ward of a Designated Comprehensive Hospital for COVID-19 Treatment

Objective: We assess the application effect of the “3 + 1” mode in the COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control at the infection ward of a designated comprehensive hospital for COVID-19 treatment. Method: Based on the features of the inpatients of the infection ward and their relatives, a “3 + 1” mode for the COVID-19 prevention and control is developed to conform to the demands for epidemic prevention and control and the overall prevention and control scheme of the whole hospital. Here, “3” stands for the epidemic prevention and control system, personnel management, and prevention and control measures;“1” stands for COVID-19 testing. Result: From March 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021, a total of 3056 patients were hospitalized in the three infection wards. Among them, 265 patients had a fever, and 113 patients had respiratory symptoms. None of them were infected with COVID-19. The participation rate of the test about the knowledge related to COVID-19 and the knowledge mastery rate were both 100% among the medical staff. None of the inpatients and their companions or the medical staff was diagnosed with COVID-19. Conclusion: Thus the “3 + 1” mode proves successful for avoiding nosocomial infection and the spread of the epidemic.

Epidemic Diseases and Chinese Medicine:Example of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and COVID-19

Epidemic diseases,known and studied in China since antiquity,are one of the main chapters of the School of Exogenous Febrile Diseases(温病学派)•Along with the legends about epidemic demons,China has developed over the centuries a medical approach based on the teachings of Huang Di Nei Jing(《黄帝内经》Internal Classic),Nan Jing(《难经》Classic of Difficulties'),and Shang Han Lun(《伤寒论》Treatise of Harmful Cold).However,it was in the 17th century,after the great break of the Song,Jin,and Yuan eras that an innovative spirit Wu Youxing(吴有性)first foresaw the existence of microorganisms as we know them now.His Wen Yi Lun(《瘟疫论》Treatise on Pestilences)foreshadows an original approach to epidemic diseases,particularly emerging infectious diseases of the 21st century:severe acute respiratory syndrome 2003-2004 and the COVID-19 pandemic are perfect examples.In this first article,which will be followed by two others,we will examine the classical and modern Chinese definitions of these dreadful plagues.

Psychological Study of a Patient with COVID-19 at the Early Stage of the Epidemic

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) caused by novel coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV) has led to 199,466,211 confirmed cases, including 4,244,541 deaths by 6:44 pm CEST. This epidemic is now on the period of global outbreak, the control of COVID-19 has severely challenged the world. At the beginning of the outbreak, patients infected or suspected were observed and close contacts were isolated. The country delayed the resumption of work and school and all walks of life are seriously affected. All kinds of true and false information and rumours on the internet exist, aggravating people’s anxiety and restlessness. These factors altogether often induce people to feel various negative emotions and psychological problems. In this paper, a patient with COVID-19 was examined through psychological dynamic observation at the beginning of the epidemic. It was found that in the early stage of the epidemic, due to the lack of clear treatment guidelines, the main treatment methods and psychological problems were the main reasons affecting the recovery of patients. Many uncertain factors, including individual and social factors and quarantine, worry about the prognosis, etc, resulting in anxiety, fear, unacceptance, insomnia, irritability and other pessimistic moods. After 16 days of symptomatic treatment, psychological counselling and adjustments in a timely manner, the patient eventually recovered and was discharged. The discussion of this case could serve as a reference for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with COVID-19 in other countries and regions.

Epidemic Diseases and Chinese Medicine: Example of SARS and COVID-19: Part Two

Along with the legends about epidemic demons,China has developed over the centuries a medical approach to epidemic diseases based on the teachings of Hucng Di Nei Jing(《黄帝内经》Huangdi s Intermnal Classic),Nan Jing(《难经》Classic of Difficult Issues),and Shang Han Lun(《伤寒论》Treatise on Cold Damage).Other doctors and scientists participated in this evolution of knowledge,like Wang Shuhe(王叔和),Ge Hong(葛洪),Chao Yuanfang(巢元方),Sun Simiao(孙思邈),and Liu Wansu(刘完素).However,it was in the 17^th century,after the great break of the Song,Jin,and Yuan eras that an innovative spirit,Wu Youke(吴又可1582-1652)first foresaw the existence of microorganisms as we know them now.His Wen Yi Lun(《瘟疫论》Treatise on Pestilence)foreshadows an original approach to epidemic diseases,particularly emerging infectious diseases of the 21^st century.After them,traditional Chinese medicine developed a comprehensive method of diagnosing and treating of these diseases(Epidemic Diseases Theory瘟疫学说)within the School ofHeat Diseases(温病学派).In a third article,we will examine some applications in the treatment of the SARS 2003-2004 epidemic(非典型肺炎)and the current COVID-19(新型冠状病毒肺炎)pandemic.

Investigation and Research on the Psychological Status of Children and Adolescents During the Epidemic Period of COVID-19

Objective:The paper was to analyze the investigation and study of the psychological status of children and adolescents during the epidemic period of COVID-19.Methods:From March 5th to 11th,2020,1766 students from 8 to 18 years old in Yan'an area were taken as the research objects,and the psychological characteristics of this group of people during the epidemic period of COVID-19 were analyzed by the online questionnaires.Results:In the questionnaire,all children and adolescents were in good psychological conditions,and they had not shown serious negative psychological emotions,and they attached great importance to COVID-19.Conclusion:The psychological changes of children and adolescents during the epidemic period of COVID-19 are diverse.Most children and adolescents have a good mental state,and a few have negative psychological emotions.It can strengthen the psychological management of children and adolescents during the epidemic,and promote the healthy growth of children and adolescents clinically.

Dynamical Analysis of the Stochastic COVID-19 Model Using Piecewise Differential Equation Technique

Various data sets showing the prevalence of numerous viral diseases have demonstrated that the transmission is not truly homogeneous.Two examples are the spread of Spanish flu and COVID-19.The aimof this research is to develop a comprehensive nonlinear stochastic model having six cohorts relying on ordinary differential equations via piecewise fractional differential operators.Firstly,the strength number of the deterministic case is carried out.Then,for the stochastic model,we show that there is a critical number RS0 that can predict virus persistence and infection eradication.Because of the peculiarity of this notion,an interesting way to ensure the existence and uniqueness of the global positive solution characterized by the stochastic COVID-19 model is established by creating a sequence of appropriate Lyapunov candidates.Adetailed ergodic stationary distribution for the stochastic COVID-19 model is provided.Our findings demonstrate a piecewise numerical technique to generate simulation studies for these frameworks.The collected outcomes leave no doubt that this conception is a revolutionary doorway that will assist mankind in good perspective nature.

Behavior analysis and formative assessments in online oral medicine education during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND During the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,traditional teaching methods were disrupted and online teaching became a new topic in education reform and informatization.In this context,it is important to investigate the necessity and effectiveness of online teaching methods for medical students.This study explored stomatology education in China to evaluate the development and challenges facing the field using massive open online courses(MOOCs)for oral medicine education during the pandemic.AIM To investigate the current situation and challenges facing stomatology education in China,and to assess the necessity and effectiveness of online teaching methods among medical students.METHODS Online courses were developed and offered on personal computers and mobile terminals.Behavioral analysis and formative assessments were conducted to evaluate the learning status of students.RESULTS The results showed that most learners had already completed MOOCs and achieved better results.Course behavior analysis and student surveys indicated that students enjoyed the learning experience.However,the development of oral MOOCs during the COVID-19 pandemic faced significant challenges.CONCLUSION This study provides insights into the potential of using MOOCs to support online professional learning and future teaching innovation,but emphasizes the need for careful design and positive feedback to ensure their success.