Covid-19 Sentry

Contents

• From Preprints
• From Clinical Trials
• From PubMed
• From Patent Search

From Preprints

• Self-reported impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, affective responding, and subjective well-being - A Swedish survey -
  A rapid stream of research confirms that the COVID-19 pandemic is a global threat to mental health and psychological well-being. It is therefore important to identify both hazardous and protective individual factors during the pandemic. The current research exaplored the relationships between self-reported affective responding, perceived personal consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, and subjective well-being. An online survey (N = 471) conducted in Sweden between June and September, 2020, showed that higher levels of irritability, impulsivity, and the tendency to experience and express anger were generally associated with more severe personal consequences of the pandemic, particularly in areas related to family life, work/study, and finances. While more severe impacts of the pandemic in these areas of life were directly associated with lower subjective well-being, emotion regulation through cognitive reappraisal appeared to moderate the extent to which consequences of the pandemic in other areas of life (i.e., social, free-time and physical activities) translated into decreased well-being. This suggests that cognitive reappraisal may serve to protect against some of the debilitating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. Overall, the results indicate that the perceived consequences of the pandemic are multifaceted and that future research should examine these consequences using a multidimensional approach.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Self-reported impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, affective responding, and subjective well-being - A Swedish survey
• Associativity between COVID-19 Pandemic and Serious Mental Illness: Rapid Systematic Review within Salutogenesis Model for Public Health Management -
  The COVID-19 Pandemic, SARS-COV-2 virus-form transformations, and ensuing psychosocial stress stemming from environmental change and isolation, has led to the conjecture that there would be a surge in psychosis cases. Intuitively, patients with Serious Mental Illness (SMI), like Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder and Major Depression, would be particularly susceptible. Existing literature illustrates psychological distress as a primary effect of the Pandemic - on people with/without SMI. We initiated a rapid review to determine the impact of the SARS-COV-2 virus - in symptomatic and asymptomatic cases - on people with/without psychosis. We envisioned that this would provide insights on effective clinical-intervention methods for psychotic-patients, during and after the Pandemic. Our review draws from papers, published in 2020, that considered participants - with/without psychiatric illness and exposure to SARS-COV-2 infection. The Salutogenesis Model was used to comprehend observations from the systematic-review, leading to suggestions and recommendations for preventive and promotive public health strategies.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Associativity between COVID-19 Pandemic and Serious Mental Illness: Rapid Systematic Review within Salutogenesis Model for Public Health Management
• Correlates of Protection against symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection -

  Background: Although 6 COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the World Health Organisation as of 7th June 2021, global supply remains limited. An understanding of the immune response associated with protection could facilitate rapid licensure of new vaccines. Methods: Data from a randomised efficacy trial of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine in the UK was analysed to determine the antibody levels associated with protection against SARS-CoV-2. Anti-spike and anti-RBD IgG by multiplex immunoassay, pseudovirus and live neutralizing antibody at 28 days after the second dose were measured in infected and non-infected vaccine recipients. Weighted generalised additive models for binary data were applied to outcome. Cubic spline smoothed log antibody levels, and baseline risk of exposure were the predictor variables with weights applied to account for selection bias in sample processing. Results: Higher levels of all immune markers were correlated with a reduced risk of symptomatic infection. Vaccine efficacy of 80% against primary symptomatic COVID-19 was achieved with antibody level of 40923 (95% CI: 16748, 125017) and 63383 (95% CI: 16903, not computed (NC)) for anti-spike and anti-RBD, and 185 (95% CI: NC, NC) and 247 (95% CI: 101, NC) for pseudo- and live-neutralisation assays respectively. Antibody responses did not correlate with overall protection against asymptomatic infection. Conclusions: Correlates of protection can be used to bridge to new populations using validated assays. The data can be used to extrapolate efficacy estimates for new vaccines where large efficacy trials cannot be conducted. More work is needed to assess correlates for emerging variants.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Correlates of Protection against symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection
• Trends in COVID-19 vaccination intent, determinants and reasons for vaccine hesitancy: results from repeated cross-sectional surveys in the adult general population of Greece during November 2020-June 2021 -

  Background: Vaccine hesitancy is a major barrier to achieve large-scale COVID-19 vaccination. We report trends in vaccination intention and associated determinants from surveys in the adult general population in Greece. Methods: Four cross-sectional phone surveys were conducted in November 2020, February, April and May 2021 on nationally representative samples of adults in Greece. Multinomial logistic regression was used on the combined data of the surveys to evaluate independent predictors of vaccination unwillingness/uncertainty. Results: Vaccination intention increased from 67.6% in November 2020 to 84.8%. in May 2021. Individuals aged 65 years or older were more willing to get vaccinated (May 2021: 92.9% vs. 79.5% in 18-39 years, p<0.001) but between age-groups differences decreased over time. Vaccination intention increased substantially in both sexes, though earlier among men than women and was higher in individuals with postgraduate studies (May 2021: 91.3% vs. 84.0% up to junior high). From multivariable analysis, unwillingness and/or uncertainty to get vaccinated was associated with younger age, female gender (in particular in the April 2021 survey), lower educational level and living with a child ≤12 years old. Among those with vaccine hesitancy, concerns about vaccine effectiveness declined over time (21.6% in November 2020 vs. 9.6% in May 2021, p=0.014) and were reported more often by men; safety concerns remained stable over time (66.3% in November 2020 vs. 62.1% in May 2021, p=0.658) and were reported more often by women. Conclusions: Vaccination intention increased substantially over time. Tailored communication is needed to address vaccine hesitancy and concerns regarding vaccine safety.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Trends in COVID-19 vaccination intent, determinants and reasons for vaccine hesitancy: results from repeated cross-sectional surveys in the adult general population of Greece during November 2020-June 2021
• Selective tweeting of COVID-19 articles: Does title or abstract positivity influence dissemination? -

  Background: Previous research has shown that articles may be cited more frequently on the basis of title or abstract positivity. Whether a similar selective sharing practice exists on Twitter is not well understood. The objective of this study was to assess if COVID-19 articles with positive titles or abstracts were tweeted more frequently than those with non-positive titles or abstracts. Methods: COVID-19 related articles published between January 1st and April 14th, 2020 were extracted from the LitCovid database and all articles were screened for eligibility. Titles and abstracts were classified using a list of positive and negative words from a previous study. A negative binomial regression analysis controlling for confounding variables (2018 impact factor, open access status, continent of the corresponding author, and topic) was performed to obtain regression coefficients, with the p values obtained by likelihood ratio testing. Results: A total of 3752 COVID-19 articles were included. Of the included studies, 44 titles and 112 abstracts were positive; 1 title and 7 abstracts were negative; and 3707 titles and 627 abstracts were neutral. Articles with positive titles had a lower tweet rate relative to articles with non-positive titles, with a regression coefficient of -1.10 (P < .001), while the positivity of the abstract did not impact tweet rate (P = .2218). Conclusion: COVID-19 articles with non-positive titles are preferentially tweeted, while abstract positivity does not influence tweet rate.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Selective tweeting of COVID-19 articles: Does title or abstract positivity influence dissemination?
• Children’s psychological well-being and problem behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic: An online study during the lockdown period in Germany -
  As COVID-19 dramatically changes human social life, restrictive lockdown periods to slow the spread of the virus have been suggested to particularly affect the psychological well-being of children and their families. To capture lockdown-related effects on a large scale, the present study used an online questionnaire completed by parents of 3-10-year-olds during the most restrictive lockdown period in Germany thus far (N = 2,672). Parents reported their stress level, their child’s well-being, and their child’s problem behaviors among others. Results showed that most parents and children experienced lockdown-related stress. Concerning children, not being able to meet with friends and family members outside the household emerged as the primary challenge. Older children (7-10 years) evidenced more emotional symptoms as well as less conduct problems and hyperactivity than younger children (3-6 years). Children’s own and their parents’ stress level, the degree to which children missed other children, and children’s age all showed to be negatively related to children’s general life satisfaction. Single parenthood and being an only child were associated with higher levels of child problems. Taken together, these findings shed light on the psychological well-being of children and their families during governmental lockdown measures, as well as on relations between children’s coping and demographic background. They have implications for possible avenues for interventions, inter alia by encouraging policies that facilitate the maintenance of social relationships and focus particularly on children from single parent families, on only children as well as on families in challenging housing situations.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Children’s psychological well-being and problem behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic: An online study during the lockdown period in Germany
• Mindfully Reframing the Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak Through a Social Media Community for Students: A Pragmatic Study -
  The COVID-19 outbreak and the restrictions that have been enforced by the health authorities are having a profound psychological impact on the population. Many people, including the students, faced forced modifications to their daily lives and this prompted the need for scalable strategies to promote resilience. We designed an online community intervention for psychology students and recent alumni aimed to promote functional coping strategies through openness and cognitive flexibility. This psycho-educational intervention was delivered through a private group on social media (Facebook) and it involved the publication of exercises and quick lectures. Contents were posted regularly and people from the community were invited to share their comments. The posts included stimuli that promote open and flexible reflections on the current situation. The overall aim of this group was a cognitive reframing on the epidemic effects, promoting creative and flexible thinking. We ran a thematic analysis of the interactions, and we collected qualitative feedback at the end of the intervention. The participants’ comments dealt with changes in their perspectives, sharing discomfort, encouragement and support, and building a sense of community. Post-intervention comments were highly satisfied and confirmed the helpfulness of the stimuli to promote flexibility and openness, eventually helping to manage the negative emotions related to the COVID-19 outbreak. This study provides preliminary evidence that an online psycho-educational community stimulating flexibility and openness can help to reframe the negative psychological impact of the outbreak, improving their management.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Mindfully Reframing the Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak Through a Social Media Community for Students: A Pragmatic Study
• Escaping to nature during a pandemic: A natural experiment in Asian cities during the COVID-19 pandemic with big social media data -
  As global communities respond to the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), urban residents worldwide have reduced their mobility, which may have incidentally kept people away from greenspaces. Surprisingly, anecdotal evidence suggests greenspace use surged in Asian cities. In this study,we used the COVID-19 pandemic as a natural experiment to investigate individuals’ behavioral changes in greenspace use before and during the pandemic. We created a longitudinal panel dataset comprising Instagram posts from 100,232 users relating to 1185 greenspaces in four Asian cities: Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, and Seoul. We found a 5.3% increase in the odds of people using greenspaces for every 100-case increase in weekly new cases. The models also revealed that people prefer nature parks that are large and close to city centers. In summary, because of the established physical and mental health benefits of greenspaces, people have been escaping to nature to cope with the pandemic in Asian cities.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Escaping to nature during a pandemic: A natural experiment in Asian cities during the COVID-19 pandemic with big social media data
• First identification of SARS-CoV-2 Lambda (C.37) variant in Southern Brazil -

  In June 15, 2021, the lineage Lambda (C.37) of SARS-CoV-2 was considered a variant of interest (VOI) by the World Health Organization. This lineage has high prevalence in some South America countries but it was described only occasionally in Brazil. Here we describe the first report of the SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant in Southern Brazil. The sequence described in this paper presented all the eight C.37 defining lineage mutations (ORF1a gene: del916;3675-3677; Spike gene: del16;246-252, G75V, T76I, L452Q, F490S, D614G, and T859N) in addition to other 19 mutations. Considering that this VOI has been associated with high rates of transmissibility, the possible spread in the Southern Brazilian community is a matter of concern.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: First identification of SARS-CoV-2 Lambda (C.37) variant in Southern Brazil
• Safe in my heart: resting heart rate variability longitudinally predicts emotion regulation, worry and sense of safeness during COVID-19 lockdown -

  Due to its ability to reflect the capacity to engage in context-appropriate responses, tonic heart rate variability (HRV) is considered a putative biomarker of stress resilience. However, most studies are cross-sectional, precluding causal inferences. The high levels of uncertainty and fear at a global level that characterize the COVID-19 pandemic offer a unique opportunity to investigate the longitudinal role of HRV in stress resilience. The present study examined whether HRV, measured about 2 years earlier (Time 0), could predict emotion regulation strategies and daily affect in healthy adults during the May 2020 lockdown (Time 1). Moreover, we evaluated the association between HRV measures, emotion regulation strategies, subjective perception of COVID-19 risk, and self-reported depressive symptoms at Time 1. Higher tonic HRV at Time 0 resulted a significant predictor of a stronger engagement in more functional emotion regulation strategies, as well as of higher daily feelings of safeness and reduced daily worry at Time 1. Moreover, depressive symptoms negatively correlated with HRV and positively correlated with the subjective perception of COVID-19 risk at Time 1. Current data support the view that HRV might be not only a marker but also a precursor of resilience under stressful times.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Safe in my heart: resting heart rate variability longitudinally predicts emotion regulation, worry and sense of safeness during COVID-19 lockdown
• The mental health of NHS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic: a two-wave cohort study -

  Abstract: Background Health and social care workers(HSCWs) are at risk of experiencing adverse mental health (MH) outcomes (e.g., higher levels of anxiety and depression) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This can have a detrimental impact on quality of care, the national response to the pandemic and its aftermath. Aims A longitudinal design provided follow-up evidence on the MH(changes in the prevalence of disease over time) of NHS staff working in a remote health board in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigated the determinants of MH outcomes over time. Method A two-wave longitudinal study was conducted from July to September 2020. Participants self-reported levels of depression(PHQ-9), anxiety(GAD-7), and mental well-being(WEMWBS) at baseline and again 1.5 months later. Results The analytic sample of 169 participants, working in community(43%) and hospital(44%) settings reported substantial levels of probable clinical depression, anxiety and low mental well-being(MWB) at baseline(depression:30.8%, anxiety:20.1%, low-MWB:31.9%). Whilst the MH of participants remained mostly constant over time, the proportion of participants meeting the threshold for clinical anxiety increased to 27.2% at follow-up. Multivariable modelling indicated that working with, and disruption due to COVID-19 were associated with adverse MH changes over time. Conclusions HSCWs working in a remote area with low COVID-19 prevalence, reported similar levels of substantial anxiety and depression as those working in areas of the UK with high rates of COVID-19 infections. Efforts to support HSCW MH must remain a priority and should minimize the adverse effects of working with, and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: The mental health of NHS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic: a two-wave cohort study
• The statistical analysis of daily data associated with different parameters of the New Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia and their short-term interval prediction in spring 2021 -

  The lockdown introduced in Georgia on November 28, 2020 brought positive results. There are clearly positive tendencies in the spread of COVID-19 to February - first half of March 2021. However, in April-May 2021 there was a significant deterioration in the epidemiological situation. In this work results of the next statistical analysis of the daily data associated with New Coronavirus COVID-19 infection of confirmed (C), recovered (R), deaths (D) and infection rate (I) cases of the population of Georgia in the period from March 01, 2021 to May 31, 2021 are presented. It also presents the results of the analysis of two-week forecasting of the values of C, D and I. The information was regularly sent to the National Center for Disease Control & Public Health of Georgia and posted on the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Avtandil1948/. The analysis of data is carried out with the use of the standard statistical analysis methods of random events and methods of mathematical statistics for the non-accidental time-series of observations. In particular, the following results were obtained. Georgia9s ranking in the world for Covid-19 monthly mean values of infection and deaths cases in spring 2021 (per 1 million population) was determined. Among 156 countries with population ≥ 1 million inhabitants in May 2021 Georgia was in the 11 place on new infection cases and in the 14 place on Death. A comparison between the daily mortality from Covid-19 in Georgia in spring 2021 with the average daily mortality rate in 2015-2019 shows, that the largest share value of D from mean death in 2015-2019 was 25.3 % (22.05.2021), the smallest 1.42 % (15.03.2021). Data about infection rate of the population of Georgia with Covid-19 according to traffic light system shown, that Georgia in April and May 2021 was in the red zone. The statistical analysis of the daily and decade data associated with coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic of confirmed, recovered, deaths cases and infection rate of the population of Georgia are carried out. Maximum daily values of investigation parameters are following: C = 2171 (05.05.2021), R = 2038 (17.05.2021), D = 33 (22.05.2021), I = 8.05 % (04.05.2020). Maximum mean decade values of investigation parameters are following: C = 1258 (3 Decade of April 2021), R = 1283 (2 Decade of May 2021), D = 24 (2 Decade of May 2021), I = 6.54 % (1 Decade of May 2021). It was found that as with September 2020 to February 2021 [8], in spring 2021 the regression equations for the time variability of the daily values of C, R and D have the form of a tenth order polynomial. Mean values of speed of change of confirmed -V(C), recovered - V(R), deaths - V(D) and infection rate V(I) coronavirus-related cases in different decades of months in the spring 2021 were determined. Maximum mean decade values of investigation parameters are following: V(C) = +37 cases/day (1 Decade of April 2021), V(R) = +36 cases/day (3 Decade of April 2021), V(D) = +0.6 cases/day (3 Decade of April 2021), V(I) = + 0.17 %/ day (2 and 3 decades of April 2021). Cross-correlations analysis between confirmed COVID-19 cases with recovered and deaths cases shows, that the maximum effect of recovery is observed 9 and 13 days after infection, and deaths - after 12-17 days. Comparison of real and calculated predictions data of C, D and I in Georgia are carried out. It was found that two-week daily and mean two-week real values of C, D and I practically fall into the 67% - 99.99% confidence interval of these predicted values for the specified time periods. The comparison of data about C and D in Georgia (GEO) with similar data in Armenia (ARM), Azerbaijan (AZE), Russia (RUS), Turkey (TUR) and in the World (WRL) is also carried out. Key words: New Coronavirus COVID-19, statistical analysis, short-term prediction.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: The statistical analysis of daily data associated with different parameters of the New Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia and their short-term interval prediction in spring 2021
• Unsupervised classification of SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences uncovers hidden genetic diversity and suggests an efficient strategy for genomic surveillance -
  Accurate and timely monitoring of emerging genomic diversity is crucial for limiting the spread of potentially more transmissible/pathogenic strains of SARS-CoV-2. At the time of writing, over 1.8M distinct viral genome sequences have been made publicly available, and a sophisticated nomenclature system based on phylogenetic evidence and expert manual curation has allowed the relatively rapid classification of emerging lineages of potential concern. Here, we propose a complementary approach that integrates fine-grained spatiotemporal estimates of allele frequency with unsupervised clustering of viral haplotypes, and demonstrate that multiple highly frequent genetic variants, arising within large and/or rapidly expanding SARS-CoV-2 lineages, have highly biased geographic distributions and are not adequately captured by current SARS-CoV-2 nomenclature standards. Our results advocate a partial revision of current methods used to track SARS-CoV-2 genomic diversity and highlight the importance of the application of strategies based on the systematic analysis and integration of regional data. Here we provide a complementary, completely automated and reproducible framework for the mapping of genetic diversity in time and across different geographic regions, and for the prioritization of virus variants of potential concern. We believe that the approach outlined in this study will contribute to relevant advances to current genomic surveillance methods.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Unsupervised classification of SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences uncovers hidden genetic diversity and suggests an efficient strategy for genomic surveillance
• Comparative Structural Analyses of Selected Spike Protein-RBD Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 Lineages -
  The severity of the covid 19 has been observed throughout the world as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had spread globally claiming more than 2 million lives and left a devastating impact on peoples life. Recently several virulent mutant strains of this virus, such as the B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P1 lineages have emerged. These strains are predominantly observed in UK, South Africa and Brazil. Another extremely pathogenic B.1.617 lineage and its sub-lineages, first detected in India, are now affecting some countries at notably stronger spread-rates. This paper computationally examines the time-based structures of B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P1 lineages with selected spike protein mutations. Additionally, the mutations in the more recently found B.1.617 lineage and some of its sub-lineages are explored, and the implications for multiple point mutations of the spike proteins receptor-binding domain (RBD) are described.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Comparative Structural Analyses of Selected Spike Protein-RBD Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 Lineages
• Increased lung cell entry of B.1.617.2 and evasion of antibodies induced by infection and BNT162b2 vaccination -
  The delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, B.1.617.2, emerged in India and has subsequently spread to over 80 countries. B.1.617.2 rapidly replaced B.1.1.7 as the dominant virus in the United Kingdom, resulting in a steep increase in new infections, and a similar development is expected for other countries. Effective countermeasures require information on susceptibility of B.1.617.2 to control by antibodies elicited by vaccines and used for COVID-19 therapy. We show, using pseudotyping, that B.1.617.2 evades control by antibodies induced upon infection and BNT162b2 vaccination, although with lower efficiency as compared to B.1.351. Further, we found that B.1.617.2 is resistant against Bamlanivimab, a monoclonal antibody with emergency use authorization for COVID-19 therapy. Finally, we show increased Calu-3 lung cell entry and enhanced cell-to-cell fusion of B.1.617.2, which may contribute to augmented transmissibility and pathogenicity of this variant. These results identify B.1.617.2 as an immune evasion variant with increased capacity to enter and fuse lung cells.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Increased lung cell entry of B.1.617.2 and evasion of antibodies induced by infection and BNT162b2 vaccination

From Clinical Trials

• Ivermectin Treatment Efficacy in Covid-19 High Risk Patients - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Drug: Ivermectin 0.4mg/kg/day for 5 days
  Sponsor:   Clinical Research Centre, Malaysia
  Recruiting

• MP1032 Treatment in Patients With Moderate to Severe COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: MP1032;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsors:   MetrioPharm AG;   Syneos Health, LLC
  Not yet recruiting

• Efficacy and Safety of XAV-19 for the Treatment of Moderate-to-severe COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: XAV-19;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsor:   Xenothera SAS
  Recruiting

• Study of Codivir in Patients With COVID-19 - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Drug: Covidir injections;   Diagnostic Test: One Step Test;   Diagnostic Test: IgM and IgG dosage;   Diagnostic Test: RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2;   Diagnostic Test: Screening blood test;   Diagnostic Test: ECG;   Diagnostic Test: Medical evaluation;   Diagnostic Test: NEWS-2 score;   Diagnostic Test: WHO score
  Sponsors:   Code Pharma;   Zion Medical
  Active, not recruiting

• In Situ Thrombolysis With tPA and Inflow Perfusion Analysis in Patient With Severe Covid-19 Infection - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Drug: tPA
  Sponsor:   Grupo Mexicano para el Estudio de la Medicina Intensiva
  Completed

• Study to Evaluate the Safety and Concentrations of Monoclonal Antibody Against Virus That Causes COVID-19 Disease. - Condition:   COVID-19 Virus Disease
  Interventions:   Biological: MAD0004J08;   Other: Placebo
  Sponsors:   Toscana Life Sciences Sviluppo s.r.l.;   Cross Research S.A.
  Active, not recruiting

• Clinical Trial With N-acetylcysteine and Bromhexine for COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: Vitamin C;   Drug: N-acetylcysteine (NAC);   Drug: NAC + Bromhexine (BMX)
  Sponsors:   Universidade Federal do Ceara;   Paulista School of Medicine-EPM, UNIFESP;   Health Surveillance Secretariat - SVS;   Central Laboratory of Public Health of Ceara - LACEN-CE;   Leonardo da Vinci Hospital - HLV;   São José Hospital for Infectious Diseases - HSJ;   Ceará Health Secretariat - SESA;   Municipal Health Secretary - SMS-Fortaleza
  Not yet recruiting

• Safety and Immunogenicity of LNP-nCOV saRNA-02 Vaccine Against SARS-CoV-2, the Causative Agent of COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Drug: LNP-nCOV saRNA-02 Vaccine
  Sponsor:   MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit
  Not yet recruiting

• Augmentation of Immune Response to COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination Through OMT With Lymphatic Pumps - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Other: Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)
  Sponsors:   Western University of Health Sciences;   American College of Osteopathic Physicians;   American Osteopathic Foundation;   Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California;   Xavier-Nichols Foundation
  Recruiting

• Nervous System Symptoms Associated With COVID 19 - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Other: NEURO +;   Other: NEURO -
  Sponsor:   University Hospital, Toulouse
  Completed

• Dapsone Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 Trial (DAP-CORONA) COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: Dapsone 85 mg PO BID;   Drug: Placebo 85 mg PO BID
  Sponsors:   McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre;   Pulmonem Inc.
  Not yet recruiting

• Tolerability,Safety of JS016 in SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) - Conditions:   COVID-19;   SARS-CoV-2
  Intervention:   Drug: Combination Product: JS016 (anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody)
  Sponsor:   Peking Union Medical College Hospital
  Recruiting

• Open Label, Single-Center Study Utilizing BIOZEK COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test - Condition:   Covid-19 Testing
  Intervention:   Diagnostic Test: Biozek Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test (Saliva)
  Sponsor:   Mach-E B.V.
  Recruiting

• Community-based Post-exposure Prophylaxis for COVID-19 - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Other: Guduchi Ghanvati;   Other: Standard guidelines
  Sponsors:   NMP Medical Research Institute;   Aarogyam UK;   Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University;   Samta Ayurveda Prakoshtha, India;   Padmanabhama Ayurveda Hospital and Research Centre
  Completed

• Vitamin A Supplementation in Children With Moderate to Severe COVID-19 - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Dietary Supplement: Vitamin A supplement
  Sponsor:   Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
  Not yet recruiting

From PubMed

• Structure-guided design of a perampanel-derived pharmacophore targeting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease - There is a clinical need for direct-acting antivirals targeting SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, to complement current therapeutic strategies. The main protease (M^(pro)) is an attractive target for antiviral therapy. However, the vast majority of protease inhibitors described thus far are peptidomimetic and bind to the active-site cysteine via a covalent adduct, which is generally pharmacokinetically unfavorable. We have reported the optimization of an existing…

• It - ObjectiveMindStep™ is an Australian low-intensity cognitive behaviour therapy (LICBT) program for individuals with mild-to-moderate symptoms of anxiety and depression. UK-produced LICBT guided self-help (GSH) materials were originally used in the MindStep™ program. In 2017, Australian LICBT GSH materials were developed to better suit Australian users. This study explored whether the Australian-produced materials continued to achieve the benchmark recovery rates established in the UK and…

• Structural basis of covalent inhibitory mechanism of TMPRSS2-related serine proteases by camostat - SARS-CoV-2 is the viral pathogen causing the COVID19 global pandemic. No effective treatment for COVID-19 has been established yet. TMPRSS2 is essential for viral spread and pathogenicity by facilitating the entry of SARS-CoV-2 onto host cells. The protease inhibitor camostat, an anticoagulant used in the clinic, has potential anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activities against COVID-19. However, the potential mechanisms of viral resistance and antiviral activity of camostat are unclear. Herein,…

• SARS-CoV-2 spike protein induces paracrine senescence and leukocyte adhesionin endothelial cells - Increased mortality in COVID-19 often associates with microvascular complications. We have recently shown that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein promotes an inflammatory cytokine IL-6/IL-6R induced trans-signaling response and alarmin secretion. Virus infected or spike transfected human epithelial cells exhibited an increase in senescence state with the release of senescence associated secretory proteins (SASP) related inflammatory molecules. Introduction of BRD4 inhibitor AZD5153 to senescent epithelial…

• Structure-based virtual screening of bioactive compounds from Indonesian medical plants against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 - Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus that causes the infectious disease coronavirus disease-2019. Currently, there is no effective drug for the prevention and treatment of this virus. This study aimed to identify secondary metabolites that potentially inhibit the key proteins of SARS-CoV-2. This was an in silico molecular docking study of several secondary metabolites of Indonesian herbal plant compounds and other metabolites with antiviral testing history….

• TRPV2-spike protein interaction mediates the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into macrophages in febrile conditions - Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel strain of highly contagious coronaviruses that infects humans. Prolonged fever, particularly that above 39.5 °C, is associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, little is known about the pathological effects of fever caused by SARS-CoV-2. Methods: Primary bovine alveolar macrophages (PBAMs), RAW264.7 mouse macrophages, and THP-1 human cells were transfected with plasmids carrying the genes encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S)…

• Cryo-EM structure of SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a in lipid nanodiscs - SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a is a putative viral ion channel implicated in autophagy inhibition, inflammasome activation and apoptosis. 3a protein and anti-3a antibodies are found in infected patient tissues and plasma. Deletion of 3a in SARS-CoV-1 reduces viral titer and morbidity in mice, suggesting it could be an effective target for vaccines or therapeutics. Here, we present structures of SARS-CoV-2 3a determined by cryo-EM to 2.1-Å resolution. 3a adopts a new fold with a polar cavity that opens to the…

• Selinexor, a novel selective inhibitor of nuclear export, reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection and protects the respiratory system in vivo - The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the recent global pandemic. The nuclear export protein (XPO1) has a direct role in the export of SARS-CoV proteins including ORF3b, ORF9b, and nucleocapsid. Inhibition of XPO1 induces anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antioxidant pathways. Selinexor is an FDA-approved XPO1 inhibitor. Through bioinformatics analysis, we predicted nuclear export sequences in…

• Integrated docking and enhanced sampling-based selection of repurposing drugs for SARS-CoV-2 by targeting host dependent factors - Since the onset of global pandemic, the most focused research currently in progress is the development of potential drug candidates and clinical trials of existing FDA approved drugs for other relevant diseases, in order to repurpose them for the COVID-19. At the same time, several high throughput screenings of drugs have been reported to inhibit the viral components during the early course of infection but with little proven efficacies. Here, we investigate the drug repurposing strategies to…

• SARS-CoV-2-mediated dysregulation of metabolism and autophagy uncovers host-targeting antivirals - Viruses manipulate cellular metabolism and macromolecule recycling processes like autophagy. Dysregulated metabolism might lead to excessive inflammatory and autoimmune responses as observed in severe and long COVID-19 patients. Here we show that SARS-CoV-2 modulates cellular metabolism and reduces autophagy. Accordingly, compound-driven induction of autophagy limits SARS-CoV-2 propagation. In detail, SARS-CoV-2-infected cells show accumulation of key metabolites, activation of autophagy…

• Design of optical cavity for air sanification through ultraviolet germicidal irradiation - The transmission of airborne pathogens represents a major threat to worldwide public health. Ultraviolet light irradiation can contribute to the sanification of air to reduce the pathogen transmission. We have designed a compact filter for airborne pathogen inactivation by means of UVC LED sources, whose effective irradiance is enhanced thanks to high reflective surfaces. We used ray-tracing and computational fluid dynamic simulations to model the device and to maximize the performance inside…

• Coronaviruses, cholesterol and statins: Involvement and application for Covid-19 - The infectious power of coronaviruses is dependent on cholesterol present in the membranes of their target cells. Indeed, the virus enters the infected cell either by fusion or by endocytosis, in both cases involving cholesterol-enriched membrane microdomains. These membrane domains can be disorganized in-vitro by various cholesterol-altering agents, including statins that inhibit cell cholesterol biosynthesis. As a consequence, numerous cell physiology processes, such as signaling cascades, can…

• Potential for the Repurposing of Adamantane Antivirals for COVID-19 - Several adamantanes have established actions against coronaviruses. Amantadine, rimantadine, bananins and the structurally related memantine are effective against human respiratory coronavirus HCoV-OC43, bovine coronavirus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-1) and a spiroadamantane amine is effective against the coronavirus strain 229E. Molecular docking studies suggest that amantadine may block the viral E protein channel, leading to impaired viral propagation….

• Virtual screenings of the bioactive constituents of tea, prickly chaff, catechu, lemon, black pepper, and synthetic compounds with the main protease (Mpro) and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2) of SARS-CoV-2 - CONCLUSION: Therefore, the selected compounds could be considered a potential herbal treatment source against SARS-CoV-2.

• Targeting Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase in Inflammatory and Autoimmune Pathologies - Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) was discovered due to its importance in B cell development, and it has a critical role in signal transduction downstream of the B cell receptor (BCR). Targeting of BTK with small molecule inhibitors has proven to be efficacious in several B cell malignancies. Interestingly, recent studies reveal increased BTK protein expression in circulating resting B cells of patients with systemic autoimmune disease (AID) compared with healthy controls. Moreover, BTK…

From Patent Search

• SARS-CoV-2 anti-viral therapeutic - - link

• 폐마스크 밀봉 회수기 - 본 발명은 마스크 착용 후 버려지는 일회용 폐마스크를 비닐봉지에 넣은 후 밀봉하여 배출함으로써, 2차 감염을 예방하고 일반 생활폐기물과 선별 분리 배출하여 환경오염을 방지하는 데 그 목적이 있다. - link

• COST EFFECTIVE PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR FOR COVID-19 - - link

• METHOD OF IDENTIFYING SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME CORONA VIRUS 2 (SARS-COV-2) RIBONUCLEIC ACID (RNA) - - link

• Erweiterbare Desinfektionsvorrichtung -

  Erweiterbare Desinfektionsvorrichtung, umfassend: einen Hauptkörper, der eine umgekehrt U-förmige Basisplatte aufweist, wobei die umgekehrt U-förmige Basisplatte mit einer Öffnung versehen ist und jeweils eine Seitenplatte sich von zwei Seiten der umgekehrt U-förmigen Basisplatte nach außen erstreckt; und mindestens eine Desinfektionslampe, die in den auf zwei Seiten des Hauptkörpers befindlichen Seitenplatten angeordnet ist und eine Lichtemissionseinheit, eine Erfassungseinheit, eine Steuereinheit und eine Stromversorgungseinheit umfasst.

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• Einfache Sterilisationsvorrichtung -

  Einfache Sterilisationsvorrichtung, mit einem Hauptkörper (11), der in Längsrichtung einen ersten Plattenabschnitt (111) und in Querrichtung einen zweiten Plattenabschnitt (112) aufweist, wobei der erste Plattenabschnitt (111) und der zweite Plattenabschnitt (112) L-förmig miteinander verbunden sind; und einer Sterilisationslampe (12), die an dem Hauptkörper (11) angeordnet ist und eine Lichtemissionseinheit (121), eine Sensoreinheit (122), eine Steuereinheit (123) und eine Stromeinheit (124) aufweist.

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• Klemmarme aufweisende Desinfektionsvorrichtung -

  Klemmarme aufweisende Desinfektionsvorrichtung, umfassend: einen Hauptkörper; eine Desinfektionslampe, die im Hauptkörper angeordnet ist und eine Lichtemissionseinheit, eine Erfassungseinheit, eine Steuereinheit und eine Stromversorgungseinheit umfasst; einen Klemmabschnitt, der auf einer Seite des Hauptkörpers angeordnet ist, wobei der Klemmabschnitt zwei gegenüberliegende Greifbacken umfasst, wobei mindestens eine der beiden Greifbacken mit einer Schwenkachse versehen ist, wobei ein Klemmraum durch passgenaues Schließen der beiden Greifbacken entsteht und die beiden Greifbacken jeweils mit einem Durchgangsloch versehen sind; einen Befestigungsabschnitt, der durch die Durchgangslöcher der beiden Greifbacken hindurchgeführt ist;und ein Schild, das auf einer Seite des Klemmabschnitts angeordnet und mit einem Aufnahmeloch versehen ist.

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• Aufhängbare Sterilisationsvorrichtung -

  Aufhängbare Sterilisationsvorrichtung, mit einem Hauptkörper (11); einer Sterilisationslampe (12), die an dem Hauptkörper (11) angeordnet ist und eine Lichtemissionseinheit (121), eine Sensoreinheit (122), eine Steuereinheit (123) und eine Stromeinheit (124) aufweist; einem Klemmabschnitt (13), der an einer Seite des Hautpkörpers (11) angeordnet ist und zwei gegenüberliegend angeordnete Klemmbacken (131) aufweist, wobei mindestens eine der beiden Klemmbacken (131) mit einem Achsbolzen (132) versehen ist, wobei die beiden Klemmbacken (131) beim Schließen einen Klemmraum (134) bilden, und wobei die beiden Klemmbacken (131) jeweils mit einem Durchgangsloch (135) versehen sind; und einem Befestigungselement (14), das durch die Durchgangslöcher (135) der beiden Klemmbacken (131) hindurchgeführt wird.

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• Sterilisationsvorrichtung zur Verbesserung der Desinfektionswirkung -

  Sterilisationsvorrichtung zur Verbesserung der Desinfektionswirkung, umfassend: einen Hauptkörper, der eine erste Oberfläche, eine von der ersten Oberfläche abgewandte zweite Oberfläche und ein Aufnahmeloch aufweist, wobei die zwei Seiten des Hauptkörpers jeweils mit einem Durchgangsloch versehen sind, wobei die Durchgangslöcher mit dem Aufnahmeloch durchgängig verbunden sind; eine Desinfektionslampe, die auf der zweiten Oberfläche des Hauptkörpers angeordnet ist und eine Lichtemissionseinheit, eine Erfassungseinheit, eine Steuereinheit und eine Stromversorgungseinheit umfasst; und ein Befestigungsteil, das durch die Durchgangslöcher und das Aufnahmeloch des Hauptkörpers hindurchgeführt ist.

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• IMPROVEMENTS RELATED TO PARTICLE, INCLUDING SARS-CoV-2, DETECTION AND METHODS THEREFOR - - link