Evaluation of Clinical Characteristics and Plasma Cortisol Concentrations in Individuals with COVID-19 and Post-COVID Syndrome

COVID-19 generates systematic alterations in humans both in active stages of infection and over time, called post-COVID syndrome. Cortisol is a hormone that is overexpressed in inflammation and cellular stress processes. Its main function is to return to physiological homeostasis, so its evaluation together with other clinical parameters can allow us to determine the degree of systemic affectation by COVID-19. Objective: To evaluate changes in clinical parameters and plasma cortisol concentrations in patients with active COVID-19 and post-COVID syndrome. Material and Methods: Healthy patients, in stages of mild infection, critical and with post-COVID syndrome, were recruited, obtaining, through clinical diagnoses and interviews, their main clinical characteristics, in addition to plasma, in which cortisol concentrations were determined using competitive ELISA. Results: The critical stage group had higher frequencies of comorbidities, clinical symptoms, as well as more altered laboratory parameters compared to the other subgroups. In the post-COVID syndrome group after the initial infection, most laboratory parameters recovered, however, several clinical symptoms remained latent over time. The determination of cortisol showed an increase in its concentration, being higher in patients in critical stage and with post-COVID syndrome. Conclusion: COVID-19 disease generates clinical alterations that trigger an increase in plasma cortisol. These alterations increase as the stages of infection become more severe and some of them remain altered in patients with post-COVID syndrome.

Associations between Continuing Symptoms and Quality of Life in Post-COVID-19 Patients (2023)

COVID-19 is a multisystem disease that can cause various symptoms which last even after the acute stage and negatively impact the quality of life of patients. It is of utmost importance to comprehensively evaluate how COVID-19 affects not only patients’ physical and mental health, but also their family and social life. This knowledge plays a significant role in the creation of effective ways to assist those suffering from long COVID to address health-related quality of life issues in a timely manner.

COVID-19对高等教育的影响及我们的应对——基于国际组织相关报告的回溯性分析

文章选择联合国教科文组织及国际大学协会两大与高等教育相关的国际组织作为研究案例,以高等教育与COVID-19相关的研究报告作为分析样本,深度解读COVID-19对高等教育的教学、研究、公平和包容、国际交流、行政管理方面的影响,总结高等教育机构在危机不同时期的应对策略。最后提出后疫情时代高等教育变革的主要方向,即以可持续发展视角观照高等教育发展,以更系统的眼光统筹高等教育治理,以数字化转型推动高等教育创新发展,以高等教育国际合作维护全球共同利益。

候选hEra结合蛋白A19/GST的融合表达及其抗体的制备

目的:在大肠杆菌中表达候选人Era结合蛋白A19/GST融合蛋白,并制备兔抗A19抗体。方法:利用人Era蛋白全长作为诱饵,进行胎肝cDNA文库的酵母双杂交筛选。将得到的候选人Era结合蛋白A19的编码基因序列克隆入pACT2载体中,构建pACT2A19。用PCR扩增A19蛋白的编码基因序列,克隆入融合表达载体pGEX4T3中,构建A19的表达菌,并经IPTG诱导表达A19蛋白。用SDSPAGE分析及薄层扫描检测目的蛋白的含量。用A19蛋白免疫家兔制备抗血清,以Westernblot鉴定抗体的特异性并检测抗体的效价。结果:大肠杆菌中表达的A19蛋白占菌体总蛋白的30.2%。Westernblot分析显示,抗血清具有较高的特异性,其效价约为1∶4000。结论:成功地获得了候选的人Era结合蛋白A19,制备了兔抗A19抗血清,为后续Era功能的研究奠定了基础。

COVID-19-induced gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction:A systematic review

BACKGROUND It is common for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection to occur in the gastrointestinal tract,which can present itself as an initial symptom.The severity of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is often reflected in the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms.COVID-19 can damage the nerve supply to the digestive system,leading to gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction.There is still much to learn about how COVID-19 affects the autonomic nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract.AIM To thoroughly explore the epidemiology and clinical aspects of COVID-19-induced gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction,including its manifestations,potential mechanisms,diagnosis,differential diagnosis,impact on quality of life,prognosis,and management and prevention strategies.METHODS We conducted a thorough systematic search across various databases and performed an extensive literature review.Our review encompassed 113 studies published in English from January 2000 to April 18,2023.RESULTS According to most of the literature,gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction can seriously affect a patient's quality of life and ultimate prognosis.Numerous factors can influence gastrointestinal autonomic nervous functions.Studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 has a well-documented affinity for both neural and gastrointestinal tissues,and the virus can produce various gastrointestinal symptoms by reaching neural tissues through different pathways.These symptoms include anorexia,dysgeusia,heartburn,belching,chest pain,regurgitation,vomiting,epigastric burn,diarrhea,abdominal pain,bloating,irregular bowel movements,and constipation.Diarrhea is the most prevalent symptom,followed by anorexia,nausea,vomiting,and abdominal pain.Although COVID-19 vaccination may rarely induce autonomic dysfunction and gastrointestinal symptoms,COVID-19-induced autonomic effects significantly impact the patient's condition,general health,prognosis,and quality of life.Early diagnosis and proper recognition are crucial for improving outcomes.It is important to consider the differential diagnosis,as these symptoms may be induced by diseases other than COVID-19-induced autonomic dysfunction.Treating this dysfunction can be a challenging task.CONCLUSION To ensure the best possible outcomes for COVID-19 patients,it is essential to take a multidisciplinary approach involving providing supportive care,treating the underlying infection,managing dysfunction,monitoring for complications,and offering nutritional support.Close monitoring of the patient's condition is crucial,and prompt intervention should be taken if necessary.Furthermore,conducting thorough research on the gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction caused by COVID-19 is vital to manage it effectively.

Evaluation of Sensitivity and Specificity of Direct Microscopical Examination of Suspected Mucor Mycosis Samples by Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) during Covid-19 Pandemic Era

Introduction: Mucormycosis is a common fungal infection in India even before the COVID-19 pandemic. The incidence of Mucor mycosis has entered public consciousness in response to an outbreak of cases in India during COVID-19 pandemic. Mortality is unacceptably high, reaching 80% in some case series. Prompt diagnosis is crucial because treatment initiation is time-critical due to the rapid progression of the infection. Direct KOH mount is a simple, rapid, inexpensive point-of-care test, which requires minimum technical aids. Interpretation of KOH smears requires some amount of experience. The present study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of Direct Microscopical examination by KOH preparation of suspected Mucor mycosis samples taking the fungal culture as gold standard. Material and Methods: 230 samples were received in Microbiology Department from May 2021 to August 2021 from the patients suspected of Mucor mycosis. Samples were processed for KOH preparation using different concentrations of KOH like 20% and 40% till all tissues get digested. Samples were cultured also in Sabourauds dextrose agar (SDA) medium. Results of microscopy and culture were statistically analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Result: Sensitivity of KOH preparation was 67%, specificity was 87%. Positive predictive value was 76% and negative predictive value was 81% and accuracy was 80% when compared with the fungal culture. Discussion: Direct microscopic examinations using KOH preparation are the simplest, cheapest method used for the diagnosis of mycotic infections. This study is valuable in establishing a reliable method for early information on diagnosis of Mucor mycosis that may be crucial for determining appropriate therapy for the successful treatment of Mucor mycosis patients. Conclusion: KOH examination plays an important role in the diagnosis of Mucor mycosis suspected patients during COVID-19 pandemic era when compared with fungal culture which is a gold standard test in diagnosis of Fungal infection. It is the simplest and cheapest method that can be developed easily with minimal infrastructure or human resources in resource-limited countries during the COVID-19 era.

Adults with Congenital Heart Disease during the COVID-19 Era:One-Year Tertiary Center Experience

Background:Adult patients with congenital heart disease(ACHD)might be at high risk of Coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19).This study aimed to report on a one-year tertiary center experience regards COVID-19 infection in ACHD patients.Methods:This is a one-year(March-2020 to March-2021)tertiary-center retrospective study that enrolled all ACHD patients;COVID-19 positive patients’medical records,and management were reported.Results:We recorded 542 patients,205(37.8%)COVID-19-positive,and 337(62.2%)COVID-19-negative patients.Palliated single ventricle and Eisenmenger syndrome patients were more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection(P<0.05*).Cardiovascular COVID-19 complications were arrhythmias in 47(22.9%)patients,heart failure in 39(19.0%)patients,cyanosis in 12(5.9%)patients,stroke/TIA in 5(2.4%)patients,hypertension and infective endocarditis in 2(1.0%)patients for each,pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary embolism in 1(0.5%)patient for each.11(5.4%)patients were managed with home isolation,147(71.7%)patients required antibiotics,32(15.6%)patients required intensive care unit(ICU),8(3.9%)patients required inotropes,7(3.4%)patients required mechanical ventilation,and 2(1.0%)patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO).Thromboprophylaxis was given to all 46(22.4%)hospitalized patients.American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association classification revealed that complex lesions,and FC-C/D categories were more likely to develop severe/critical symptoms,that required mechanical ventilation and ECMO(P<0.05*).Mortality was reported in 3(0.6%)patients with no difference between groups(P=0.872).193(35.6%)patients were vaccinated.Conclusions:COVID-19 infection in ACHD patients require individualized risk stratification and management.Eisenmenger syndrome,single ventricle palliation,complex lesions,and FC-C/D patients were more vulnerable to severe/critical symptoms that required ICU admission,mechanical ventilation,and ECMO.The vaccine was mostly tolerable.

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.

后疫情时代城市社区居住满意度评价体系的重构

城市社区居住满意度是评价与提升社区居住环境的重要标准之一。针对后疫情时代居住满意度评价体系与社区环境之间适配性不足的问题,研究梳理了后疫情时代相关文献研究与空间规划实践,从中提取新的影响因素作为“疫情补丁”,在整合原有居住满意度评价体系的基础上,重构具有“精度”与“尺度”的后疫情时代居住满意度评价体系。研究结果表明,后疫情时代的居住满意度评价体系可以从“社区—组团—单元—家宅”四个空间层级进行重构和落实,并提出空间维度支撑、社会要素调节与整体动态更新的优化策略。本研究结果为人民满意的城市社区的空间韧性提升和规划建设提供理论支撑与实践经验。

后疫情时代联合办公发展变化分析

联合办公在前疫情时代构建了一种以互信和核心价值共享为基础的灵活办公模式,受益于科学技术的进步、共享经济的崛起和新型工作组织出现的推动,以社区化、开放性和合作性为特点,快速发展并日益成为现代办公的重要方式。然而,随着新冠疫情的爆发和全球蔓延,联合办公空间在新冠疫情期间的发展,因远程办公的快速发展和防疫政策的实施而受到了巨大的阻碍。为保证联合办公空间的经营者对后疫情时代多变的需求和变化快速做出响应,联合办公的演进需要转向不同的模式,包括空间的可配置性、满足心理预期的隐私模式、更高效的协作模式和工作环境的数字化模式。

新时代背景下伟大抗疫精神融入医学人文素养培育的实践研究

新时代医学生承担着储备专业知识和掌握医学人文素养的双重任务,将伟大抗疫精神融合到医学生医学人文素养培养体系中,对培养新时期医学生的全面发展具有重要意义。医学院校要全方位解读伟大抗疫精神,发扬多渠道理论,多方位开展更全面多元的医学实践,积极将伟大抗疫精神融合到对医学生医学人文素养的培养中去,转化升华,全面促进医学生综合素质的提升,为健康中国建设贡献强大力量。

后新冠疫情时代广州市茶艺馆经营现状调查研究

为探明后疫情时代广州市茶艺馆的经营现状,以广州市11个区人气前五的茶艺馆为对象,以“大众点评”为信息收集途径,通过线上检索资料自行填写对茶艺馆经营者的问卷,再结合线上线下双线程向茶艺馆消费者有针对性地发放问卷。结果表明,设计风格上趋同严重。装修风格中,参考“现代新中式风格”的茶艺馆占比高达94%;在茶艺馆功能类型上,大多茶艺馆重视商务交流功能,70%的茶艺馆专门配备了电子屏等硬件设施;座位设置中,每家茶艺馆都设有包间;服务项目上,有个别茶艺馆关注到独立个体对茶饮及茶空间的需求,“一人行”等单人饮茶项目始露苗头。针对后疫情时代的广州市内茶艺馆的现状从经营者与消费者两个视角有针对性地提出未来发展建议,希望能加深对后疫情时代背景条件下广州茶艺馆经营现状的认识,同时为该地区茶艺馆的未来发展提供理论指导,并为后疫情时代其他城市茶艺馆的研究与发展等提供参考。

新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情中国防治政策变迁

自2020年世界卫生组织(World Health Organization,WHO)正式宣布新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情成为全球大流行之后,全球114个国家或区域受到不同程度的影响。后疫情时代的到来要求各国采取新的疫情防控措施,以应对未来可能出现的问题和挑战。为帮助我国在后疫情时代巩固几年来的防疫成果并获取更大的发展窗口,本文探析了全球疫情变化及各国主要防治政策的变化,总结归纳了我国疫情防治政策的发展变迁,提出适应我国国情的以家庭为核心的新型精准防控措施。

疫情之下全球教与学面临的挑战与应对之策——OECD《2020应对COVID-19教育指南》解析与思考

为了支持各国在疫情期间进行合理的教育决策,实施有效的教育应对措施,2020年4月1日,OECD联合哈佛大学研究生院发布了《2020应对COVID-19教育指南》。《指南》从学校、教师和学生三个层面,分析了各国教育系统所面临的共同挑战:学校难以保证学生的学习质量,缺乏数字化基础设施和有深度的多方合作;教师缺乏ICT能力和教师之间的深度合作,需要重构师生关系和创新教学设计;学生需要转变学习模式和调整心理健康状态,弱势学生群体的基本学习条件无法得到保障。为此,进一步提出了具体的教育应对策略:在宏观教育系统层面,建议设立专门的领导小组,制订指导性纲领,建立跨部门合作机制以及加强教育的公平性和包容性;在中观学校层面,建议整合校内外教学资源,建立日常沟通渠道以及加强跨校合作;在微观师生层面,建议提升教师的责任感和领导力,构建教师专业合作网络,鼓励师生共同探索创新性教学模式以及提升学生的自主学习能力。对《指南》进行深入解读和分析,有助于我们构建符合时代发展需求的“包容·合作·赋能”的教育新生态。

COVID-19后疫情时代的慢直播及其优化路径

新冠肺炎(COVID-19)疫情暴发两年来,慢直播作为一种新兴媒介及疫情防控信息传播工具,在实践方面取得了良好的效果。不同于传统的电视直播与网络直播,慢直播有着节奏舒缓、画面原生态以及受众自组织式互动的特性。但慢直播也存在着主题冗杂,缺乏社会价值,拍摄机位固定而使观众产生视觉疲劳,公众监督失焦消解议题严肃性和城市形象塑造单一等问题。只有不断实施技术升级、主题创新选择、内容深度挖掘,慢直播方可在COVID-19后疫情时代继续行稳致远,发挥更大的传播效应。

Transition beyond the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: Need to address the long-term health impacts of COVID-19

Despite gaps in knowledge,long-term sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infections are globally acknowledged and thus require special attention by public health organizations and services.Therefore,it is necessary to support and promote public health initiatives that address long-term disability due to COVID-19.

A cross-sectional study of post-COVID syndrome at a tertiary care center in Turkey

Objective:To investigate long-term symptoms after acute COVID-19,the link between symptoms and respiratory function,radiological changes in the post-COVID period,and risk factors for post-COVID syndrome.Methods:In this cross-sectional study,123 participants who were admitted within the first 3 months were categorized as group 1,and those who applied after 3 months were categorized as group 2.According to thoracic imaging and pulmonary function tests,patients were split into 3 groups as mild,moderate and severe.Results:At least one symptom was present in 91.9%and 61.8%in acute and post-COVID period,respectively.Pulmonary function tests were normal in 60(70.6%)in the first three months,and 30(78.9%)in 91-days to 1-year period after acute COVID-19 infection.After 3 months,22.4%of chest X-rays and 7.9%of computerized tomography revealed progression.Patients who developed acute complications(OR 9.91,95%CI 1.93-50.87),had 2 or more symptoms at admission(OR 7.73,95%CI 2.56-23.33),had 1%to 14%CT involvement(OR 3.05,95%CI 1.06-8.79),or had 50%or more CT involvement(OR 14.68,95%CI 1.24-172.55)had a higher risk of developing post-COVID syndrome.Conclusions:COVID-19 symptoms can last for long time.Severity of symptoms,acute complications,and the extent of radiological involvement may all contribute to elevated risk of post-COVID syndrome.As a result,patients with COVID-19 should be checked for long-term clinical difficulties on regular basis.

Characteristics of China＇s Development in the New Era Explained in Light of Economic Principles

As China entered into a new era of development, the primary contradiction facing Chinese society has also evolved. It is important for both scholars and policymakers to review the characteristics of China's economy in its present stage in accordance with economic principles-principles that reflect every aspect of economic and social life and macroeconomic regulation. In this paper, we attempt to unravel the characteristics of China's new era from three perspectives-historical materialism, dialectic materialism and epistemology, and in light of economic principles at the three levels of resource factors, modes of production and regulation of resource allocation. Based on these perspectives, this paper further identifies the characteristics of China's new era from nine aspects, including globalization, modernization, the primary stage of socialism, new development concepts, supply-side reforms, the guideline of seeking steady progress, the mentality of scope, bottomline mindset and strategic composure. From the three different levels, this paper summarizes and applies economic principles to propose solutions to the problems and challenges facing China in the new era. The findings of the paper are also relevant to implementation of the guidelines CPC Central Committee General Secretary Xi Jinping noted in his report to the 19 th CPC National Congress.

大学生后疫情时代心理问题与机制建设(综述)

在后疫情时代下,因疫情带来的不确定性和不安全感给学生造成持续的紧张、焦虑、恐慌,巨大的心理压力和心理困扰,也为高校心理育人工作提出严峻的挑战。为此,高校心理育人工作急需建立健全相应的机制体制,以确保心理育人工作具有制度保障,程序保障,组织保障和法律保障。实现路径包括创新心理育人协同机制,健全心理育人联动机制,改进心理异常和心理危机监测机制,健全心理危机干预机制,建立心理健康人才培养使用机制等。

COVID-19 Induced Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)—Case Report

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare systemic autoimmune disorder that damages multiple organs simultaneously and is associated with chronic inflammation, in which the signs of systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and polymyositis can co-occur. Its distinctive feature and the basis for the diagnosis of MCTD is the presence of an antibody against the uridine-rich RNP of the cell nucleus (Anti-U1-RNP). It has been observed that intercurrent infections can trigger autoimmune diseases, however, the fact that viral infections—such as SARS-CoV-2—induce them is currently poorly understood. The present study raises the etiological role of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the development of the disease. Authors describe the case of a 38-year-old patient in good general condition, who was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease three months after COVID-19 infection.