Coronavirus Research Articles

A hybrid deep learning optimization for predicting the spread of a new emerging infectious disease

<span lang="EN-US">In this study, a novel approach geared toward predicting the estimated number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases was developed. Combining long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks with particle swarm optimization (PSO) along with grey wolf optimization (GWO) employ hybrid optimization algorithm techniques. This investigation utilizes COVID-19 original data from the Ministry of Health of Indonesia, period 2020-2021. The developed LSTM-PSO-GWO hybrid optimization algorithm can improve the performance and accuracy of predicting the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Indonesia. In initiating LSTM initial weights with weaknesses, using the hybrid optimization algorithm helps overcome these problems and improve model performance. The results of this study suggest that the LSTM-PSO-GWO model can be utilized as an effective and reliable predictive tool to gauge the COVID-19 virus’s spread in Indonesia. </span>

Families' Perception toward Application of Infection Control Precautions with Corona Virus at Home

Families' Perception toward Application of Infection Control Precautions with Corona Virus at Home

Post Covid-19 pandemic analysis offline classes versus online classes: Conflicts in early childhood education in Indonesia during the Covid-19 pandemic

Early childhood education in Indonesia is an area that parents are beginning to show interest in for preparing their children to progress to the next stage of education. The learning process involves selfdevelopment, cognitive training, emotional training, psychomotor training, and social interaction training, fostering independence in children during their playtime. Early childhood education differs from other levels as it emphasizes play while still incorporating learning. However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2019 has significantly impacted early childhood education, leading to the implementation of online classes. This change has affected not only students, who are in an age group susceptible to the disease, but also young children who may struggle to grasp the meaning of the Covid19 virus, unlike adults. Research objectives: a. To analyze early childhood responses to online learning. b. To investigate the impact of online teaching and learning activities on early childhood education in Indonesia. Utilizing qualitative research methods, this study is described through descriptive analysis based on a literature review and an examination of social phenomena. Children experience psychological shock when transitioning to home-based learning, missing the presence of teachers and friends, resulting in boredom and a lack of motivation to complete assignments. This psychological impact extends to parents, particularly mothers, who now have the responsibility of teaching their children at home, a role previously handled by teachers at school. Online classes are considered the optimal solution to curb the spread of Covid-19 in early childhood environments. The conflict between online and offline classes in the realm of early childhood education forms the basis of this research article.

Education transformation in Indonesia requires the implementation of differentiated learning

This study describes teachers’ perceptions of implementing education transformation after the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The research method uses a mixed-method approach: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative data collection using questionnaires. Analysis of quantitative data using the Rasch model. Qualitative data analysis through the collection, reduction, and presentation. The respondents of this research are 389 teachers in Indonesia. The questionnaire instrument contains 21 items of statements. Before being sent to teachers via the Google form, the questionnaire had met the readability test by 10 teachers. This research found that the most effortless education transformation is related to the education ecosystem. However, implementations still challenging to implement are related to pedagogy, especially the implementation of differentiated learning. Therefore, this study implies that the educational ecosystem needs to be maintained. Meanwhile, pedagogics, especially those related to differentiated learning, must be improved with various training to recognize student learning styles, multiple intelligences, learning readiness, teacher socio-emotional, and student socio-cultural.

Neurological findings associated with neuroimaging in COVID-19 Patients

Patients with COVID-19 and other corona virus infections have been documented as having a variety of neurologic symptoms. In this article, we conducted a thorough evaluation of the imaging results of individuals who had been identified as having neurological symptoms linked to coronavirus infections. The use of CT and MRI has revealed varying radiologic outcomes in the setting of various neurologic presentations. Despite the fact that the majority of patients have normal imaging analyses, certain patients exhibit intra- and extra-axial abnormalities. There have been reports of encephalomyelitis, meningitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, and encephalopathy. In especially during the present COVID-19 pandemic, familiarity with these radiologic patterns can help radiologists and referring doctors investigate coronavirus infections in patients with worsening or progressing neurologic symptoms.

Variation in structural motifs within SARS-related coronavirus spike proteins.

SARS-CoV-2 is the third known coronavirus (CoV) that has crossed the animal-human barrier in the last two decades. However, little structural information exists related to the close genetic species within the SARS-related coronaviruses. Here, we present three novel SARS-related CoV spike protein structures solved by single particle cryo-electron microscopy analysis derived from bat (bat SL-CoV WIV1) and civet (cCoV-SZ3, cCoV-007) hosts. We report complex glycan trees that decorate the glycoproteins and density for water molecules which facilitated modeling of the water molecule coordination networks within structurally important regions. We note structural conservation of the fatty acid binding pocket and presence of a linoleic acid molecule which are associated with stabilization of the receptor binding domains in the "down" conformation. Additionally, the N-terminal biliverdin binding pocket is occupied by a density in all the structures. Finally, we analyzed structural differences in a loop of the receptor binding motif between coronaviruses known to infect humans and the animal coronaviruses described in this study, which regulate binding to the human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor. This study offers a structural framework to evaluate the close relatives of SARS-CoV-2, the ability to inform pandemic prevention, and aid in the development of pan-neutralizing treatments.

Vibration assisted electron tunnelling in COVID-19 infection using quantum state diffusion.

The spread of the COVID-19 virus has become a global health crisis, and finding effective treatments and preventions is a top priority. The field of quantum biology primarily focuses on energy or charge transfer, with a particular emphasis on photosynthesis. However, there is evidence to suggest that cellular receptors such as olfactory or neural receptors may also use vibration-assisted electron tunnelling to enhance their functions. Quantum tunnelling has also been observed in enzyme activity, which is relevant to the invasion of host cells by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Additionally, COVID-19 appears to disrupt receptors such as olfactory receptors. These findings suggest that quantum effects could provide new insights into the mechanisms of biological systems and disease, including potential treatments for COVID-19. We have applied the open quantum system approach using Quantum State Diffusion to solve the non-linear stochastic Schrödinger equation (SSE) for COVID-19 virus infection. Our model includes the mechanism when the spike protein of the virus binds with an ACE2 receptor is considered as dimer. These two entities form a system and then coupled with the cell membrane, which is modelled as a set of harmonic oscillators (bath). By simulating the SSE, we find that there is vibration-assisted electron tunnelling happening in certain biological parameters and coupling regimes. Furthermore, our model contributes to the ongoing research to understand the fundamental nature of virus dynamics. It proposes that vibration-assisted electron tunneling could be a molecular phenomenon that augments the lock-and-key process for olfaction. This insight may enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing virus-receptor interactions and could potentially lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

The roles of the kynurenine pathway in COVID-19 neuropathogenesis.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the highly contagious respiratory disease Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) that may lead to various neurological and psychological disorders that can be acute, lasting days to weeks or months and possibly longer. The latter is known as long-COVID or more recently post-acute sequelae of COVID (PASC). During acute COVID-19 infection, a strong inflammatory response, known as the cytokine storm, occurs in some patients. The levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interferon-β (IFN-β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are particularly increased. These cytokines are known to activate the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1), catalysing the first step of tryptophan (Trp) catabolism through the kynurenine pathway (KP) leading to the production of several neurotoxic and immunosuppressive metabolites. There is already data showing elevation in KP metabolites both acutely and in PASC, especially regarding cognitive impairment. Thus, it is likely that KP involvement is significant in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis especially neurologically.

Strategies in Communicating and Enforcing Covid-19 Measures: A Rhetorical Analysis

The emergence of the COVID-19 virus in late 2019 initiated a global crisis, leading to millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide. Governments worldwide implemented various measures to curb the spread of the virus, including lockdowns, social distancing, and hygiene protocols. In response to these measures, leaders employed persuasive language techniques to encourage compliance and reassure citizens. This study explores the linguistic strategies used by four national leaders—Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Boris Johnson, and Uhuru Kenyatta—in their speeches addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis focuses on the rhetorical strategies employed, including ethos, logos, and pathos, as well as linguistic devices such as metaphors and enumeration. The findings of this study show that leaders strategically utilize persuasive language to convey information, evoke emotions, and inspire collective action. The study underscores the importance of understanding linguistic persuasion in effective communication during crises and highlights the relevance of classical rhetorical strategies in contemporary political discourse.

Impact of the COVID-19 vaccinations on economic outcomes and mental health services in the U.S

The development of vaccines has long been viewed as a critical public health tool to raise immunity against the COVID-19 virus and to reopen economic activities globally. Against this background, this study examines the impact of COVID-19 vaccinations on economic outcomes and mental health services in the U.S. We employed the Household Pulse Survey covering 549, 950 and 57, 892 vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, respectively. For the causal analysis, we control the differences between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups using propensity score matching (PSM) and augmented inverse probability weighting (AIPW) methods. Economic outcomes include whether individuals work on-site, telework or work from home, in-store shopping, job loss, or food sufficient. We also consider whether individuals experience mental health distress and receive mental health services as a potential outcome. The empirical results show that the probability of working on-site, in-store shopping, food sufficiency, and using mental health services are significantly higher among the recipients of the COVID-19 vaccines than non-recipients. We also find that the likelihood of teleworking and job loss decreased significantly among the recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine compared to non-recipients. The magnitude of the estimated impact across race and ethnic groups is mixed, which shows that vaccination effects are heterogeneous across the races/ethnic groups in the sample.

Constructed Wetlands to Remove the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus) from Septic Tank Effluents in LaGrange County, Indiana

Constructed Wetlands to Remove the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus) from Septic Tank Effluents in LaGrange County, Indiana

Spark Discharge Aerosol-Generated Copper-Based Nanoparticles: Structural & Optical Properties; Application on the Antiviral (SARS-CoV-2) and Antibacterial Improvement of Face Masks.

Nanoparticle formation by Spark Discharge Aerosol Generation offers low-cost fabrication of nanoparticles, without the use of chemicals or vacuum. It produces aerosol particles of a few nanometers in size with high purity. In this work, copper-based -CuO (tenorite) and Cu- nanoparticles are produced, characterized and used to modify face mask air filters, achieving the introduction of antibacterial and antiviral properties. A range of characterization techniques have been employed, down to the atomic level. The majority of the particles are CuO (of a few nanometers in size that agglomerate to form aggregates), the remainder being a small number of larger Cu particles. The particles were deposited on various substrates, mainly fiber filters in order to study them and use them as biocidal agents. On face masks, their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E.coli) results in a 100 % decrease in bacteria cell viability. Their antiviral activity on face masks results in a 90 % reduction of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viability, 15 minutes post the application of the virus stock solution. This highlights the effectiveness of this approach, its simplicity, its low cost and its excellent environmental credentials.

Molecular characterization of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly prevalent and potent infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Until now, the world is still endeavoring to develop new ways to diagnose and treat COVID-19. At present, the clinical prevention and treatment of COVID-19 mainly targets the spike protein on the surface of SRAS-CoV-2. However, with the continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of concern (VOC), targeting the spike protein therapy shows a high degree of limitation. The Nucleocapsid Protein (N protein) of SARS-CoV-2 is highly conserved in virus evolution and is involved in the key process of viral infection and assembly. It is the most expressed viral structural protein after SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans and has high immunogenicity. Therefore, N protein as the key factor of virus infection and replication in basic research and clinical application has great potential research value. This article reviews the research progress on the structure and biological function of SARS-CoV-2 N protein, the diagnosis and drug research of targeting N protein, in order to promote researchers’ further understanding of SARS-CoV-2 N protein, and lay a theoretical foundation for the possible outbreak of new and sudden coronavirus infectious diseases in the future.

COVID-19 Impact on Female Patients at Tertiary Care Hospital – A Retrospective Study

Objectives: Corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) has impacted worldwide leading to a high mortality rate. It has been observed that male mortality rate is higher than females due to which it is crucial to systematically study gender differences in disease manifestations. Our study evaluated the association between mortality in COVID-19-positive cases and gender. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the cardiology department at a tertiary care hospital which included 699 patients with a confirmed positive diagnosis of COVID-19 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and >18 years of age. Data from the medical records of the department were collected during an 8-month period (July 2020–February 2021). Results: Of the 699 patients enrolled in the study within 8 months, 232 (33.1%) were female and 467 (66.7%) were male. Female mortality accounted for 18.99% and male mortality 14.56%. Comparing the severity of the disease, 36% of females showed more severe disease presentation. In the course of the disease with treatment, 51.29% of females required oxygen support. Conclusion: This study showed differences in the mortality rate, ventilation support requirement, and severity of disease in COVID-19 affected males and females.

#2973 COVID-19 increased hemodialysis patients’ mortality, relation with inflammation and telomere attrition

Abstract Background and Aims An increased risk of mortality and hospitalization has been consistently demonstrated in patients with CKD who are additionally affected by corona virus disease 19 (COVID-19). In this study, we tried to identify predictive factors of mortality and hospitalizations, especially the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes (NLR), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), c-reactive protein (CRP), disease status of COVID-19, telomere length in peripheral blood cells (TL) and 2-year risk score. Method A total of 130 chronic hemodialysis patients, were enrolled in the present study and followed up for 18 months. Routine laboratory parameters including LDH, were determined by standard automated methods, redox status parameters SOD and O2. - Using spectrophotometric methods.TL was determined using the modified Cawthon method and was calculated as the T/S ratio. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to test survival predictors. Results Patients in deceased group (30%) were significantly older (p <0.001), with higher body mass index (BMI), (p < 0.01) than survived patients. Also, patients in the deceased group had higher levels of LDH, NLR index, CRP compared to survivors. Lower lymphocytes and shortened TL were characteristic of these patient groups, but the deceased group had the lowest lymphocytes (p < 0.005) and telomeres (p<0.002), and had the highest NLR (0.004). The difference in 2-years risk score also was significant (p < 0.001), with higher scores in the deceased group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed six parameters were significant predictors in the following order of significance: COVID-19 status, 2-years risk score, NLR, TL, CRP, LDH. Using binary logistic regression analysis Summary risk score, a combination of these six parameters revealed as the best predictor of patients’ survival in this group of parameters (Log rank=25.4, P < 0.001). Conclusion Independent predictors of mortality in chronic haemodialysis patients are higher NLR, CRP, LDH, Lower lymphocytes and shortened TL, and COVID -19 made the situation even worse by significantly arising these patients’ mortality rate.

Male Reproduction and Health after Recovery from COVID-19 Infection

Objective. To study the reproductive hormones, semen quality, psychology, and sexual function of childbearing age men after recovery from Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection. Materials and Methods. We recruited 387 men of childbearing age who recovered from COVID-19 infection and underwent prepregnancy health checks at the Reproductive Center of Shandong Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January to March 2023 as study subjects. Routine semen analysis and reproductive hormones were performed. The clinical symptoms, anxiety, depression, erectile function, and premature ejaculation questionnaire were investigated during the COVID-19 infection period. A control group of 226 men of childbearing age who were not infected with COVID-19 between August 2022 and October 2022 were selected based on questionnaire responses, reproductive hormones, and semen parameters. Results. The main clinical symptoms during COVID-19 infection of the 387 research subjects were fever (342/387, 88.37%), muscle pain (155/387, 40.05%), anosmia (124/387, 32.04%), cough (106/387, 27.39%), throat pain (53/387, 13.70%), nausea and vomiting (16/387, 4.13%), and testicular discomfort (5/387, 1.29%). The rates of anxiety and depression were 11.37% (44/387) and 32.82% (127/387), respectively; erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) of the research subjects were accounted for 32.30% (125/387) and 6.98% (27/387). The IEF-5 score (P<0.001) decreased significantly compared to the control group, while the PHQ-9 score (P<0.001), the rate of increased ED (P<0.001), and the rate of depression increased (P<0.001). There were statistically significant differences in liquefaction time (P<0.05), the progressive sperm motility (P<0.05), total sperm motility (P<0.05), the rates of progressive sperm motility <32% (P<0.05), and total sperm motility <40% (P<0.05) between the 1 month, the 2 months after recovery from COVID-19 and controls. Circular cell counts (P<0.05) at 2 and 3 months were lower than in the controls. No changes in reproductive hormones before and after recovery from infection. Conclusion. COVID-19 infection exacerbates depression and ED. It has a sustained effect on sperm motility and liquefaction time in men. The effects of COVID-19 infection on semen persist for approximately 2 months, with recovery occurring in the third month. Reproductive hormone levels do not appear to be continuously affected after recovery from COVID-19.

Massive open online course on breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico.

COVID-19 virus was reported to be transmitted through breastfeeding (BF), creating the need for rapidly available, standardized information and training for health personnel and the community about BF as an urgent action to reduce misinformation and unethical promotion of breast milk substitutes (BMS). In Mexico, a massive open online course (MOOC) was designed and implemented to protect, promote and support BF in emergency contexts. MOOC registration consisted of collection of quantitative data regarding participant characteristics, MOOC coverage, scores achieved and completion rates. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to relate the absolute and relative skills earned in the MOOC to participant characteristics. In addition, factors associated with completion rate and dissemination of information from the MOOC were analyzed using multiple logistic regression and presented as odds ratios. During a period of 19 months, 52,426 participants across the country, including health personnel and general population, entered the Cursos en Linea del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (CLIMSS) platform, of which 50.5% completed the MOOC. The level of participation was maintained from January 2021 to early 2022 when the perception of the risk of getting sick from COVID-19 and quarantining decreased. In adjusted analysis, completion rate was associated with being older or belonging to a health institution; furthermore, residing in the north of the country doubled the odds of completing the MOOC (odds ratio 2.24; 95% confidence interval 1.95-2.56). A MOOC can be a useful training strategy to disseminate information, especially in emergencies where physical distancing is important and reaching the largest possible population is required.

Role Of Prior Immunity in binding to Spike of “Future” Omicron Subvariants

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, virus evolution and large-scale vaccination programs have caused multiple exposures to SARS CoV-2 spike protein, resulting in complex antibody profiles. The binding of these to spike protein of "future" variants in the context of such heterogeneous exposure has not been studied. We tested archival sera (Delta and Omicron period) stratified by anti-spike antibody (including IgG) levels for reactivity to Omicron-subvariants(BA.1, BA.2,BA.2.12.1, BA.2.75, BA.4/5 and BF.7) spike protein. Assessed antigenic distance between groups using Antigenic Cartography and performed hierarchical clustering of antibody data in a Euclidean distance framework. Antibody (including IgG) antibody reactivity to Wild-type (CLIA) and subvariants (ELISA) spike protein were similar between periods (p>0.05). Both 'High S' and 'Low S' of Delta and Omicron periods were closely related to "future" subvariants by Antigenic Cartography. Sera from different S groups clustered together with 'Low S' interspersed between 'High S' on hierarchical clustering, suggesting common binding sites. Further, anti-spike antibodies (including IgG) to Wild-type (S1/S2 and Trimeric S) clustered with Omicron-subvariant binding antibodies. Hybrid immunity caused by cumulative virus exposure in Delta or Omicron periods resulted in equivalent binding to "future" variants, which might be due to binding to conserved regions of spike protein of future variants. A prominent finding is that the 'Low S' antibody demonstrates similar binding.

Machine Learning for the Model Prediction of Final Semester Assessment (FSA) using the Multiple Linear Regression Method

Corona virus (COVID-19) is the reason behind the collapse of the National Assembly. The first is the Final Semester Assessment (FSA) , which is a component of the student's graduation. The aforementioned evaluation process is a crucial consideration for the teacher since it uses several intricate surveys and mark components. A prediction model is employed to assist teachers in providing suitable results for student learning. The method that is used is called the multiple linear regression. This multiple linear regression algorithm yields an accuracy level of approximately 92%. The analysis results using the method are used as a guide to understanding student’s index. This index is a rating that appears based on the Minimum Credit Count (MCC). Therefore, the goal of this study is to determine students' understanding of the FSA prediction value, which will be taken into consideration through the results of the MCC weights in the form of a range in the form of "Grade." Additionally, the research aims to determine the accuracy of the results from the model obtained using multiple linear regression algorithms in predicting students' FSA.

Factors Affecting the Resilience of Nurses in the COVID-19 Crisis: A Mixed Method Study from West of Iran

Background: The widespread outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has resulted in an increase in hospitalizations and mortality in healthcare centers, directly affecting healthcare personnel, especially nurses. Resilience stands for one of the key non-cognitive skills that can ensure nurses’ optimal performance during crises. Hence, the present research was aimed at identifying the status of factors affecting resilience among nurses involved in the COVID-19 crisis at Shohada Hospital in Dehloran (Iran). Methods: This mixed-method study (qualitative-quantitative) was conducted in 2021 (Solar year 1400). Respectively in qualitative and quantitative parts, the research sample consisted of 18 academic members and executive managers in the healthcare sector and 118 nurses at Shahid Dehloran Hospital in Ilam province (Iran). Data collection was performed using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA2020 software, and quantitative data analysis was performed using confirmatory factor analysis, AMOS 26, and SPSS 26. Results: The factors influencing the resilience of nurses were categorized into three main themes: personal factors (motivation, stress, personal life, Becoming obsessed, balance in personal life, resilience in personal life challenges), organizational factors (mental and psychological health, organizational leaders’ responsiveness), and environmental factors (lack of cooperation, lack of facilities and equipment). According to the results, among personal factors, motivation (R=0.88), among organizational factors, mental and psychological health (R=0.83), and among environmental factors, the lack of facilities has the most significant effect on nurses’ resilience (R=0.75). Conclusion: The findings highlight the considerable and significant impact of personal, organizational, and environmental factors on enhancing nurses’ resilience. Based on the research results, the proposed conceptual model can serve as a suitable mechanism for hospital managers to enhance the healthcare staff’s resilience.