Covid-19 Sentry

Contents

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

From Preprints

• Ann or Peter? Gender Stereotypes and Leadership during a Pandemic Crisis -
  The COVID-19 pandemic posed new challenges for leaders. It required behavior change and self-compliance of the public. Stereotypically feminine qualities such as compassion and good approach to people may have helped achieving such goals, thus rendering this pandemic as a “feminine crisis”. The special nature of this crisis, and the saliency in the media of female-led countries successfully managing the pandemic, raises the question whether female leaders would be perceived as more competent to manage such a crisis? Using an experimental study on a representative sample in Poland, we assess whether female prime minister candidates, or candidates with feminine traits, are advantaged when their competence to manage a large-scale pandemic is assessed. We find that contrary to a national security and an economic cri-sis, where male or masculine candidates are advantaged, women, or feminine candidates, have no advantage in managing a COVID-19 type crisis. Furthermore, conservative partici-pants seem to perceive male candidates as more competent, even in the pandemic context. All differences are small in magnitude, and yet suggest that even when assessed in a potentially “feminine crisis” women do not fare better than men, whereas men still fare better in typically male crisis.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Ann or Peter? Gender Stereotypes and Leadership during a Pandemic Crisis
• A quantitative evaluation of the impact of vaccine roll-out rate and coverage on reducing deaths from COVID-19: a counterfactual study on the impact of the delayed vaccination programme in Iran -

  Vaccination has been a crucial factor in the fight against COVID-19 because of its effectiveness in suppressing virus circulation, lowering the risk of severe disease, and ultimately saving lives. Many countries with an early and rapid distribution of COVID-19 vaccines performed much better in reducing their total number of deaths than those with lower coverage and slower roll-out pace. However, we still do not know how many more deaths could have been averted if countries with slower vaccine roll-outs followed the same rate as countries with earlier and faster distribution of vaccines. Here, we investigated counterfactual scenarios for the number of avertable COVID-19 deaths in a given country based on other countries9 vaccine roll-out rates. As a case study, we compared Iran to eight model countries with similar income brackets and dominant COVID-19 vaccine types. Our analysis revealed that faster roll-outs were associated with higher numbers of averted deaths. While Iran9s percentage of fully vaccinated individuals would have been similar to Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Turkey under counterfactual roll-out rates, adopting Turkey9s rates could have averted up to 50,000 more deaths, whereas following Bangladesh9s rates could have led to up to 52,800 additional loss of lives in Iran. Notably, a counterfactual scenario based on Argentina9s early but slow roll-out rate resulted in a smaller number of averted deaths in Iran, up to 12,600 more individuals. Following Montenegro9s or Bolivia9s model of faster per capita roll-out rates for Iran could have resulted in more averted deaths in older age groups, particularly during the Alpha and Delta waves, despite their lower overall coverage. Also, following Bahrain9s model as an upper bound benchmark, Iran could have averted 75,300 deaths throughout the pandemic, primarily in the >50 age groups. This study provides insights into future decisions on the management of infectious disease epidemics through vaccination strategies by comparing the relative performance of different countries in terms of their timing, pace, and coverage of vaccination in preventing COVID-19 deaths.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: A quantitative evaluation of the impact of vaccine roll-out rate and coverage on reducing deaths from COVID-19: a counterfactual study on the impact of the delayed vaccination programme in Iran
• Mental Health Conditions of Italian Healthcare Professionals During the Covid-19 Disease Outbreak. PUBLISHED ARTICLE: https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12239 -
  Background–The pandemic of COVID-19 in Italy represents a unique threat in terms of psychological distress, especially among healthcare professionals. This study represents a first attempt to investigate both the psychological states and coping strategies of Italian healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 outbreak. Importantly, we assessed psychological distress and coping strategies regarding two phases, pre-COVID (asking participants to retrospectively recall their state in December 2019) and during the time of survey, which was in the midst of the COVID emergency outbreak (March-April 2020). Methods–Self-administered questionnaires were distributed online to healthcare professionals of different Italian regions from March 26 to April 9, 2020. The questionnaire included three main sections measuring changes in psychological states, coping strategies and demographic variables. Two linear regression models were run to analyze variations in both general health and infection-risk perception depending on changes in psychological states, coping strategies, personality trait, and demographic variables. Results– Altogether, the direct exposure to the virus and a negative impact of the COVID-19 emergency outbreak on contextual psychological functioning contribute to the deterioration of physical and mental health, which may lead to severe future consequences for Italian healthcare workers, if not provided immediately with an effective support program. Conclusions– Both immediate and long-term monitoring psychological assistance services for healthcare workers should be implemented by local and national institutions to reestablish psychological well-being and enhance self-confidence and resilience of Italian hospital personnel. These intervention programs should especially target women, and professionals at their first steps into the hospital job.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Mental Health Conditions of Italian Healthcare Professionals During the Covid-19 Disease Outbreak. PUBLISHED ARTICLE: https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12239
• Bargaining under social distancing requirements: Effects of face masks on socio-economic decision-making in the COVID-19 pandemic -
  Face masks play a pivotal role in the control of respiratory diseases, such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Despite their widespread use, it is not known how face masks affect human social interaction. Here, for the first time, we investigate how facial occlusion by face masks alter socio-economic exchange. In a behavioral economics study (N = 475), individuals accepted more monetary offers and lower offer amounts when interacting with a masked versus unmasked opponent. Importantly, this effect was mainly driven by faces covered with surgical masks relative to bandana-type masks. In the first weeks of mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic, motive attributions further moderated this effect: Participants who believed that mask wearers were seeking to protect others showed the highest acceptance rates. Overall, we describe a new phenomenon, the face-mask effect on socio-economic exchange, and show that it is modulated by contextual factors rather than physical occlusion per se.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Bargaining under social distancing requirements: Effects of face masks on socio-economic decision-making in the COVID-19 pandemic
• Population-level effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men in Montréal: a modelling study of surveillance and survey data -

  Background: HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been recommended and partly subsidized in Québec since 2013. We aimed to evaluate the population-level impact of PrEP on HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Montréal over 2013-2021. Methods: We used an agent-based mathematical model of sexual HIV transmission to estimate the fraction of HIV acquisitions averted by PrEP compared to a counterfactual scenario without PrEP. The model was calibrated to local MSM survey and cohort data and accounted for COVID-19 pandemic impacts on sexual activity, prevention, and care. To assess potential optimization strategies, we modelled hypothetical scenarios prioritizing PrEP to MSM with high sexual activity or aged ≤45 years, increasing coverage to levels achieved in Vancouver (where PrEP is free-of-charge), and improving retention. Results: Over 2013-2021, the estimated annual HIV incidence decreased from 0.4 (90% credible interval [CrI]: 0.3-0.6) to 0.2 (90%CrI: 0.1-0.2) per 100 person-years. PrEP coverage in HIV-negative MSM remained low until 2015 (<1%). Afterward, coverage increased to a maximum of 10% (15% of those eligible for PrEP) and the cumulative fraction of HIV acquisitions averted over 2015-2021 was 20% (90%CrI: 11%-30%). The hypothetical scenarios modelled showed that PrEP could have averted up to 63% (90%CrI: 54%-70%) of acquisitions if coverage reached 10% in 2015 and 30% in 2019, like in Vancouver. Interpretation: PrEP reduced population-level HIV transmission among Montréal MSM. However, our study suggests missed prevention opportunities and provides support for public policies that provide PrEP free-of-cost to MSM at high risk of HIV acquisition.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Population-level effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men in Montréal: a modelling study of surveillance and survey data
• Protein Vaccine Demonstrates Less Reactogenicity than mRNA — A Real World Study -

  A prospective, observational study investigated the burden and impact of vaccine reactogenicity in adults from the United States and Canada who received an approved/authorized mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or the Novavax COVID vaccine as a booster dose. As part of the real-world study, reactogenic events captured via patient symptom diaries were compared. Results demonstrated that the overall percentage of Novavax COVID booster recipients experiencing any reactogenicity event (77.6%) was lower than that of mRNA doses (95.9%).

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Protein Vaccine Demonstrates Less Reactogenicity than mRNA — A Real World Study
• Challenges of COVID-19 Case Forecasting in the US, 2020-2021 -

  During the COVID-19 pandemic, forecasting COVID-19 trends to support planning and response was a priority for scientists and decision makers alike. In the United States, COVID-19 forecasting was coordinated by a large group of universities, companies, and government entities led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US COVID-19 Forecast Hub (https://covid19forecasthub.org). We evaluated approximately 9.7 million forecasts of weekly state-level COVID-19 cases for predictions 1-4 weeks into the future submitted by 24 teams from August 2020 to December 2021. We assessed coverage of central prediction intervals and weighted interval scores (WIS), adjusting for missing forecasts relative to a baseline forecast, and used a Gaussian generalized estimating equation (GEE) model to evaluate differences in skill across epidemic phases that were defined by the effective reproduction number. Overall, we found high variation in skill across individual models, with ensemble-based forecasts outperforming other approaches. Forecast skill relative to the baseline was generally higher for larger jurisdictions (e.g., states compared to counties). Over time, forecasts generally performed worst in periods of rapid changes in reported cases (either in increasing or decreasing epidemic phases) with 95% prediction interval coverage dropping below 50% during the growth phases of the winter 2020, Delta, and Omicron waves. Ideally, case forecasts could serve as a leading indicator of changes in transmission dynamics. However, while most COVID-19 case forecasts outperformed a naïve baseline model, even the most accurate case forecasts were unreliable in key phases. Further research could improve forecasts of leading indicators, like COVID-19 cases, by leveraging additional real-time data, addressing performance across phases, improving the characterization of forecast confidence, and ensuring that forecasts were coherent across spatial scales. In the meantime, it is critical for forecast users to appreciate current limitations and use a broad set of indicators to inform pandemic-related decision making.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Challenges of COVID-19 Case Forecasting in the US, 2020-2021
• Predictive power of wastewater for nowcasting infectious disease transmission: a retrospective case study of five sewershed areas in Louisville, Kentucky -

  Background Epidemiological nowcasting traditionally relies on count surveillance data that have limitations in capturing a representative view of infections, and for which data quality may differ over time. Wastewater infectious disease surveillance data correlates with traditional data and may provide additional value for nowcasting disease trends. Methods We obtained SARS-CoV-2 case, death, wastewater, and serosurvey data for Jefferson County, Kentucky, between August 2020 and March 2021, and parameterized an existing nowcasting model using four combinations of these data. We assessed the predictive performance and variability at the sewershed level and compared the effects of adding or replacing wastewater data to case and death reports. Findings Adding wastewater data minimally improved the predictive performance of nowcasts compared to a model fitted to case and death data (Weighted Interval Score (WIS) 0.208 versus 0.223), and reduced the predictive performance compared to a model fitted to deaths data (WIS 0.517 versus 0.500). Including wastewater data in addition to deaths data improved the nowcasts agreement to estimates from models using cases and deaths data. These findings were consistent across individual sewersheds as well as for models fit to the aggregated data of all 5 sewersheds. Historical reconstructions of epidemiological dynamics created using different combinations of data were in general agreement (coverage > 75%). Interpretation These findings demonstrate that wastewater data may be valuable for infectious disease nowcasting when clinical surveillance data are absent, such as early in a pandemic or in low-resource settings. Funding CDC, Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government, and other funders.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Predictive power of wastewater for nowcasting infectious disease transmission: a retrospective case study of five sewershed areas in Louisville, Kentucky
• A non-enzymatic test for SARS-CoV-2 RNA using DNA nanoswitches -

  The emergence of a highly contagious novel coronavirus in 2019 led to an unprecedented need for large scale diagnostic testing. The associated challenges including reagent shortages, cost, deployment delays, and turnaround time have all highlighted the need for an alternative suite of low-cost tests. Here, we demonstrate a diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 RNA that provides direct detection of viral RNA and eliminates the need for costly enzymes. We employ DNA nanoswitches that respond to segments of the viral RNA by a change in shape that is readable by gel electrophoresis. A new multi-targeting approach samples 120 different viral regions to improve the limit of detection and provide robust detection of viral variants. We apply our approach to a cohort of clinical samples, positively identifying a subset of samples with high viral loads. Since our method directly detects multiple regions of viral RNA without amplification, it eliminates the risk of amplicon contamination and renders the method less susceptible to false positives. This new tool can benefit the COVID-19 pandemic and future emerging outbreaks, providing a third option between amplification-based RNA detection and protein antigen detection. Ultimately, we believe this tool can be adapted both for low-resource onsite testing as well as for monitoring viral loads in recovering patients.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: A non-enzymatic test for SARS-CoV-2 RNA using DNA nanoswitches
• Leveraging COVID-era Practices to Robustly Integrate Inclusivity, Access, and Equity Into Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) -
  During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Stanford Summer Research Program - Amgen Scholars Program (SSRP) adapted to a remote program experience, gaining insights into maintaining inclusivity, access, and equity for its student participants. This paper outlines the transformative changes implemented by SSRP program staff and offers recommendations to promote equity while returning to in-person summer research programs, incorporating lessons learned in the COVID-19 era to center minoritized students.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Leveraging COVID-era Practices to Robustly Integrate Inclusivity, Access, and Equity Into Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)
• Effectiveness of mRNA-1273 bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5) COVID-19 vaccine in preventing hospitalizations for COVID-19, medically attended SARS-CoV-2 infections, and hospital death in the United States -

  The bivalent (original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5) mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine was authorized to offer broader protection against COVID-19. We conducted a matched cohort study to evaluate the effectiveness of the bivalent vaccine in preventing hospitalization for COVID-19 (primary outcome) and medically attended SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospital death (secondary outcomes). Compared to individuals who did not receive bivalent mRNA vaccination but received ≥2 doses of any monovalent mRNA vaccine, the relative vaccine effectiveness (rVE) against hospitalization for COVID-19 was 70.3% (95% confidence interval, 64.0%-75.4%). rVE was consistent across subgroups and not modified by time since last monovalent dose or number of monovalent doses received. Protection was durable ≥3 months after the bivalent booster. rVE against SARS-CoV-2 infection requiring emergency department/urgent care and against COVID-19 hospital death was 55.0% (50.8%-58.8%) and 82.7% (63.7%-91.7%), respectively. The mRNA-1273 bivalent booster provides additional protection against hospitalization for COVID-19, medically attended SARS-CoV-2 infection, and COVID-19 hospital death.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Effectiveness of mRNA-1273 bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5) COVID-19 vaccine in preventing hospitalizations for COVID-19, medically attended SARS-CoV-2 infections, and hospital death in the United States
• Social inequalities in the misbelief of chloroquines protective effect against COVID-19: results from the EPICOVID-19 study in Brazil -

  Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the spread of denialist messages regarding COVID19 in Brazil, specifically examining how social inequalities contributed to the misconception of chloroquine having a protective effect against the virus. Study design: Three countrywide population-based studies were conducted in 2020 (May 14-21, June 4-7, and June 21-24), including 133 Brazilian cities (n=88,772). Methods: Participants were asked whether they believed in chloroquine protective effect against infection with the SARSCoV 2 virus (no/yes/do not know). A jeopardy index score to assess cumulative social deprivation was calculated based on gender, racial and socioeconomic variables. Descriptive analysis and inequality measures (Slope Index of Inequality, SII; and Concentration Index, CIX) were used to evaluate the main association under investigation. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate 3 category outcome according to independent variables. Results: Overall, 47.9% of participants either believed that chloroquine prevented against COVID-19 or said, I do not know. Misbelief and lack of knowledge about chloroquine were greater among the most vulnerable (lowest levels of education and socioeconomic status). Absolute and relative inequalities were observed according to jeopardy index. Lack of knowledge was 2.49 greater among women than among men. Race/ethnicity minorities, those with low education and low socioeconomic status were more likely to erroneously believe that chloroquine prevented against COVID19. The highest absolute inequality was observed for the category I do not know (SII = -14.3). Conclusions: Misbelief of chloroquine protective effect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus was high in Brazil. People with greater social vulnerability were more likely to wrongly believe chloroquine prevented against COVID-19.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Social inequalities in the misbelief of chloroquines protective effect against COVID-19: results from the EPICOVID-19 study in Brazil
• Unveiling Women’s Experiences Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria: An Interpretive phenomenological analysis. -

  Background The past three years have seen an increasing gap in health inequalities in Nigeria’s health systems, with many women having trouble accessing health care due to persistent social determinants of health. Studies indicate that the amplified impact of the pandemic is due to the lack of contextual focus on response plans. This study used an interpretive phenomenological analysis to analyze women’s experiences with healthcare as the pandemic progressed in Nigeria. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted between August to November 2022. It was supplemented with three focus group discussions with mothers. The mothers were purposively recruited for their experiences with health care during the pandemic. The analysis of the interviews followed the interpretive phenomenological analysis approach. Results Twenty-four women aged 15 to 49 years with children between 0 and 5 years participated in this study. These women reported mixed experiences during the pandemic, with many attributing positive health behaviours to the pandemic. Following analysis, four themes emerged: i) Influence of diversity of Healthcare Practices and Beliefs on health-seeking behaviour; ii) Unpacking Systemic Barriers to Seeking Timely and Appropriate Health Care Services; iii) Women’s fear of contracting COVID-19; iv) Socioeconomic Burden for Holistic Health Care Delivery. Conclusion Health planners must examine contextual factors that drive health usage, especially potentially changing gender dynamics ahead of the next pandemic. This paper examined women’s decision to seek or not seek care, the type of care they received, and where they went for care. Women felt that the pandemic affected their decision to seek or not seek care. However, while they learned new behaviours that are now integrated into their daily lives, they also indicate that some behaviours are habitual and have persisted through the pandemic.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Unveiling Women’s Experiences Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria: An Interpretive phenomenological analysis.
• Carotid body dysregulation contributes to the enigma of long COVID -

  The symptoms of long COVID, which include fatigue, breathlessness, dysregulated breathing, and exercise intolerance, have unknown mechanisms. These symptoms are also observed in heart failure and are partially driven by increased sensitivity of the carotid chemoreflex. As the carotid body has an abundance of ACE2 (the cell entry mechanism for SARS-CoV-2), we investigated whether carotid chemoreflex sensitivity was elevated in participants with long COVID. During cardiopulmonary exercise testing, the VE/VCO2 slope (a measure of breathing efficiency) was higher in the long COVID group than in the controls, indicating excessive hyperventilation. The hypoxic ventilatory response, which measures carotid chemoreflex sensitivity, was increased in long COVID participants and correlated with the VE/VCO2 slope, suggesting that excessive hyperventilation may be related to carotid body hypersensitivity. Therefore, the carotid chemoreflex is sensitized in long COVID and may explain dysregulated breathing and exercise intolerance in these participants. Tempering carotid body excitability may be a viable treatment option for long COVID patients.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Carotid body dysregulation contributes to the enigma of long COVID
• Co-designing a theory-informed, multi-component intervention to increase vaccine uptake with Congolese migrants: a qualitative, community-based participatory research study -

  Introduction Inequitable uptake of routine and COVID-19 vaccinations has been documented among intersectionally marginalised populations, including migrants, and attributed to issues of mistrust, access, and low vaccine confidence. Novel approaches which seek to share power, build trust and co-design tailored interventions with marginalised or underserved communities must be explored, to promote equitable engagement with vaccination and other health interventions. Methods A theory-informed, qualitative, community-based participatory research study, designed and led by a community-academic partnership, which aimed to understand decision-making related to COVID-19 vaccination among Congolese migrants in the UK and co-design a tailored intervention to strengthen their vaccine uptake (2021-2022). Barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccination, information and communication preferences, and intervention suggestions were explored through qualitative in-depth interviews with Congolese migrants, thematically analysed, and mapped to the theoretical domains framework (TDF) and the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour (COM-B) model to identify target behaviours and strategies to include in interventions. Workshops were done in partnership with Congolese migrants to co-design and tailor interventions. Results 32 Congolese adult migrants (foreign-born and living in UK; 24 (75%) women, mean 14.3 [SD 7.5] years in UK, mean age 52.6 [SD 11.0] years) took part in in-depth interviews and 16 (same sample) took part in co-design workshops. We identified 14 barriers and 10 facilitators to COVID-19 vaccination; most barrier data related to four TDF domains (beliefs about consequences; emotion; social influences; environmental context and resources), and the behavioural diagnosis concluded interventions should target improving psychological capability, reflective and automatic motivations, and social opportunities. Strategies included behaviour change techniques based on education, persuasion, modelling, enablement, and environmental restructuring, which resulted in a co-designed intervention comprising community-led workshops, COVID-19 vaccination plays and posters. Findings and interventions were disseminated through a community celebration event. Conclusions Our study demonstrates how behavioural theory can be applied to co-designing tailored interventions with marginalised migrant communities through a participatory research paradigm to address a range of health issues and inequalities. Future research should build on this empowering approach, with the goal of developing more sensitive vaccination services and interventions which respond to migrant communities unique cultural needs and realities.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Co-designing a theory-informed, multi-component intervention to increase vaccine uptake with Congolese migrants: a qualitative, community-based participatory research study

From Clinical Trials

• Extracorporeal Photopheresis as a Possible Therapeutic Approach to Adults With Severe and Critical COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Procedure: Extracorporeal photopheresis
  Sponsor:   Del-Pest Central Hospital - National Institute of Hematology and Infectious Diseases
  Recruiting

• A Clinical Trial on Booster Immunization of Two COVID-19 Vaccines Constructed From Different Technical Routes - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Biological: Prototype and Omicron BA.4/5 Bivalent Recombinant COVID-19 Vaccine(Adenovirus Type 5 Vector) For Inhalation;   Biological: Bivalent COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine;   Biological: Recombinant COVID-19 Vaccine (Adenovirus Type 5 Vector) For Inhalation
  Sponsors:   Zhongnan Hospital;   Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, PLA of China
  Recruiting

• Evaluation of Safety, Tolerability, Reactogenicity, Immunogenicity of Baiya SARS-CoV-2 Vax 2 as a Booster for COVID-19 - Conditions:   COVID-19 Vaccine;   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Biological: 50 μg Baiya SARS-CoV-2 Vax 2;   Other: Placebo
  Sponsor:   Baiya Phytopharm Co., Ltd.
  Not yet recruiting

• The Effect of Special Discharge Training in the COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19 Pneumonia
  Intervention:   Other: COVID-19 Discharge Education
  Sponsor:   Kilis 7 Aralik University
  Completed

• Physiotherapy in Mutated COVID-19 Patients - Condition:   COVID-19 Pandemic
  Intervention:   Behavioral: Physiotherapy
  Sponsor:   Giresun University
  Completed

• Mitoquinone/Mitoquinol Mesylate as Oral and Safe Postexposure Prophylaxis for Covid-19 - Conditions:   SARS-CoV Infection;   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: Mitoquinone/mitoquinol mesylate;   Other: Placebo
  Sponsor:   University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
  Not yet recruiting

• To Explore the Regulatory Effect of Combined Capsule FMT on the Levels of Inflammatory Factors in Peripheral Blood of Patients With COVID-19 During Treatment. - Conditions:   Fecal Microbiota Transplantation;   COVID-19 Infection
  Intervention:   Procedure: Fecal microbiota transplantation
  Sponsor:   Shanghai 10th People’s Hospital
  Completed

• Phase 3 Study of Novavax Vaccine(s) as Booster Dose After mRNA Vaccines - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Biological: NVX-CoV2373;   Biological: SARS-CoV-2 rS antigen/Matrix-M Adjuvant
  Sponsor:   Novavax
  Active, not recruiting

• A Study to Learn About How Loss of Liver Function Affects the Blood Levels of the Study Medicine Called PF-07817883. - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Drug: PF-07817883
  Sponsor:   Pfizer
  Not yet recruiting

• Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Monoclonal Antibodies for Long COVID (COVID-19) - Conditions:   Long COVID;   Post-Acute Sequela of COVID-19;   Post-Acute COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: AER002;   Other: Placebo
  Sponsors:   Michael Peluso, MD;   Aerium Therapeutics
  Not yet recruiting

• Dose Exploration Intramuscular/Intravenous Prophylaxis Pharmacokinetic Exposure Response Study - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: AZD3152;   Other: Placebo
  Sponsor:   AstraZeneca
  Recruiting

• COVID Frequent Antigen Testing - Condition:   COVID-19 Respiratory Infection
  Intervention:   Diagnostic Test: SARS CoV-2 antigen tests
  Sponsors:   IDX20 Inc;   National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
  Recruiting

• Study to Assess Safety, Reactogenicity and Immunogenicity of the repRNA(QTP104) Vaccine Against SARS-CoV-2(COVID-19) - Conditions:   COVID-19;   SARS-CoV-2
  Interventions:   Biological: QTP104 1ug;   Biological: QTP104 5ug;   Biological: QTP104 25ug
  Sponsor:   Quratis Inc.
  Active, not recruiting

• Effects of Individual Tailored Physical Exercise in Patients With POTS After COVID-19 - a Randomized Controlled Study - Conditions:   Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome;   COVID-19;   Post COVID-19 Condition;   Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
  Intervention:   Other: Individual tailored exercise
  Sponsors:   Karolinska Institutet;   Karolinska University Hospital
  Enrolling by invitation

• Modifying Adiposity Through Behavioral Strategies to Improve COVID-19 Rehabilitation - Conditions:   Post-COVID Conditions;   Obesity
  Interventions:   Behavioral: 12-weeks of Weight Loss;   Behavioral: 12-weeks of Weight Stability
  Sponsors:   VA Office of Research and Development;   South Texas Veterans Health Care System;   Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center
  Not yet recruiting

From PubMed

• Analyzing immune responses to varied mRNA and protein vaccine sequences - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, different types of vaccines, such as inactive, live-attenuated, messenger RNA (mRNA), and protein subunit, have been developed against SARS-CoV-2. This has unintentionally created a unique scenario where heterologous prime-boost vaccination against a single virus has been administered to a large human population. Here, we aimed to analyze whether the immunization order of vaccine types influences the efficacy of heterologous prime-boost vaccination,…

• Recent topics in the pathophysiology and treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura - Increased and impaired platelet productions via immunological abnormalities are the main pathophysiological mechanisms of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Recent studies have revealed that platelet removal from circulation involves not only Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis of immunoglobulin G autoantibodies-bound platelets but also complement-dependent mechanism and platelet glycoprotein desialylation. Understanding the molecular mechanism of ITP pathophysiology has helped develop many…

• Prospective evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and optimal biomarker enrichment strategy for nangibotide, a TREM-1 inhibitor, in patients with septic shock (ASTONISH): a double-blind, randomised, controlled, phase 2b trial - BACKGROUND: Activation of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) pathway is associated with septic shock outcomes. Data suggest that modulation of this pathway in patients with activated TREM-1 might improve survival. Soluble TREM-1 (sTREM-1), a potential mechanism-based biomarker, might facilitate enrichment of patient selection in clinical trials of nangibotide, a TREM-1 modulator. In this phase 2b trial, we aimed to confirm the hypothesis that TREM1 inhibition might…

• Isolation of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Natural Products Extracted from Mentha canadensis and the Semi-synthesis of Antiviral Derivatives - Traditional herbal medicine offers opportunities to discover novel therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 mutation. The dried aerial part of mint (Mentha canadensis L.) was chosen for bioactivity-guided extraction. Seven constituents were isolated and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). Syringic acid and methyl rosmarinate were evaluated in drug combination treatment. Ten amide derivatives of methyl rosmarinate were synthesized, and the dodecyl (13) and…

• Computational design of medicinal compounds to inhibit RBD-hACE2 interaction in the Omicron variant: unveiling a vulnerable target site - The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has globally affected both human health and economy. Several variants with a high potential for reinfection and the ability to evade immunity were detected shortly after the initial reported case of COVID-19. A total of 30 mutations in the spike protein (S) have been reported in the SARS-CoV-2 (BA.2) variant in India and South Africa, while half of these mutations are in the receptor-binding domain and have spread rapidly throughout the world. Drug…

• In silico screening, ADMET analysis and MD simulations of phytochemicals of Onosma bracteata Wall. as SARS CoV-2 inhibitors - Being attracted with their cardiotonic, antidiabetic, cough relieving activity, treatment of fever, absorbent, anti-asthmatic, etc. activities reported in ancient Ayurvedic literature, phytochemicals of Onosma bracteata wall should be evaluated for their activity against SARS-CoV-2 virus. The main objective of this study is to identify a hit molecule for the inhibition of entry, replication, and protein synthesis of SARS CoV-2 virus into the host. To achieve given objective, computational…

• In silico Antivirus Repurposing and its Modification to Organoselenium Compounds as SARS-CoV-2 Spike Inhibitors - <b>Background and Objective:</b> The COVID-19, which has been circulating since late 2019, is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Because of its high infectivity, this virus has spread widely throughout the world. Spike glycoprotein is one of the proteins found in SARS-CoV-2. Spike glycoproteins directly affect infection by forming ACE-2 receptors on host cells. Inhibiting glycoprotein spikes could be one method of treating COVID-19. In this study, the antivirus marketed as a database will be…

• PACT inhibits the replication of SARS-CoV-2 through the blockage of GSK-3β-N-nsp3 cascade - The protein activator of protein kinase R (PKR) (PACT) has been shown to play a crucial role in stimulating the host antiviral response through the activation of PKR, retinoic acid-inducible gene I, and melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5. Whether PACT can inhibit viral replication independent of known mechanisms is still unrevealed. In this study, we show that, like many viruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) hijacks GSK-3β to facilitate its replication….

• Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 isolation in cell culture from nasal/nasopharyngeal swabs or saliva specimens of patients with COVID-19 - It has been revealed that SARS-CoV-2 can be efficiently isolated from clinical specimens such as nasal/nasopharyngeal swabs or saliva in cultured cells. In this study, we examined the efficiency of viral isolation including SARS-CoV-2 mutant strains between nasal/nasopharyngeal swab or saliva specimens. Furthermore, we also examined the comparison of viral isolation rates by sample species using simulated specimens for COVID-19. As a result, it was found that the isolation efficiency of…

• A Facile Strategy to Construct Anti-Swelling, Antibacterial and Antifogging Coatings for Protection of Medical Goggles - During the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional medical goggles are not only easy to attach bacteria and viruses in long-term exposure, but also easy to fogged up, which increases the risk of infection and affects productivity. Bacterial adhesion and fog can be significantly inhibited through the hydrogel coatings, owing to their super hydrophilic properties. But on the one hand, hydrophilic hydrogel coatings are easy to absorb water and swell in wet environment, resulting in reduced mechanical…

• Secreted ORF8 induces monocytic pro-inflammatory cytokines through NLRP3 pathways in patients with severe COVID-19 - Despite extensive research, the specific factor associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection that mediates the life-threatening inflammatory cytokine response in patients with severe COVID-19 remains unidentified. Herein we demonstrate that the virus-encoded Open Reading Frame 8 (ORF8) protein is abundantly secreted as a glycoprotein in vitro and in symptomatic patients with COVID-19. ORF8 specifically binds to the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) in CD14^(+) monocytes to…

• Nsp14 of SARS-CoV-2 inhibits mRNA processing and nuclear export by targeting the nuclear cap-binding complex - To facilitate selfish replication, viruses halt host gene expression in various ways. The nuclear export of mRNA is one such process targeted by many viruses. SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of severe acute respiratory syndrome, also prevents mRNA nuclear export. In this study, Nsp14, a bifunctional viral replicase subunit, was identified as a novel inhibitor of mRNA nuclear export. Nsp14 induces poly(A)+ RNA nuclear accumulation and the dissolution/coalescence of nuclear speckles. Genome-wide…

• In Silico Screening of Drugs That Target Different Forms of E Protein for Potential Treatment of COVID-19 - Recently the E protein of SARS-CoV-2 has become a very important target in the potential treatment of COVID-19 since it is known to regulate different stages of the viral cycle. There is biochemical evidence that E protein exists in two forms, as monomer and homopentamer. An in silico screening analysis was carried out employing 5852 ligands (from Zinc databases), and performing an ADMET analysis, remaining a set of 2155 compounds. Furthermore, docking analysis was performed on specific sites…

• Combination Therapy for the Treatment of Shingles with an Immunostimulatory Vaccine Virus and Acyclovir - Practically the entire global population is infected by herpesviruses that establish lifelong latency and can be reactivated. Alpha-herpesviruses, herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 (HSV-1/HSV-2) and varicella zoster virus (VZV), establish latency in sensory neurons and then reactivate to infect epithelial cells in the mucosa or skin, resulting in a vesicular rash. Licensed antivirals inhibit virus replication, but do not affect latency. On reactivation, VZV causes herpes zoster, also known as…

• Discovery of Polyphenolic Natural Products as SARS-CoV-2 M^pro Inhibitors for COVID-19 - The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has forced the development of direct-acting antiviral drugs due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The main protease of SARS-CoV-2 is a crucial enzyme that breaks down polyproteins synthesized from the viral RNA, making it a validated target for the development of SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics. New chemical phenotypes are frequently discovered in natural goods. In the current study, we used a fluorogenic assay to test a…

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