- Adverse effects of loneliness but no effect of gaming on mental health in gamers during three UK COVID-19 lockdowns -
Current consensus is that poor mental health outcomes are a likely outcome of the multiple stay-at-home mandates (i.e., ‘lockdowns’) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such lockdowns are characterised by loneliness, which is known to adversely impact mental health. Other factors, such as video gaming, have previously been associated with positive mental health outcomes. Indeed, evidence suggests that lockdowns led to a substantial increase in the number of people engaging with gaming. Therefore, in the present paper, we investigated the relationship between video gaming, loneliness, and mental health outcomes using online survey measures during three national lockdowns. We found that depression, anxiety, and stress increased from baseline during the first lockdown only, while loneliness increased relative to baseline in all three lockdowns. Time spent gaming had no direct relationship with mental health outcomes, nor was this relationship moderated by loneliness. While lockdown alone did not impact mental health, loneliness during lockdown was consistently associated with poor mental health outcomes. Our results add to the existing body of literature and emphasise the need for targeted public mental health interventions to improve public mental health following the COVID-19 pandemic. Data and analysis code associated with this project is accessible at https://osf.io/d5byr/.
- Does a Pandemic Increase Religiosity in a Secular Nation? A Longitudinal Examination -
The COVID-19-pandemic offers a unique, if tragic, opportunity to assess the impact of a world-wide crisis on religion. Theories from various disciplines including the psychology of religion and cultural evolution suggest that crises cause higher levels of religiosity. However, such theories also predict that levels of religiosity should remain stable in the context of well-functioning governments, secular institutions and norms that might address social, epistemic, and material needs in a crisis. While the relationship between crisis and religion have been examined in countries with higher levels of religiosity, it has yet to be extensively empirically tested in countries with lower levels of religiosity. Here, on the basis of explicit causal assumptions and using Bayesian multilevel modeling, we analyze quasi-representative longitudinal data from Denmark collected over the course of the pandemic from May 2020 to March 2021. Our analysis show that self-reported religiosity did not increase as a result of the pandemic, an inference that is robust to a range of model specifications, including full Bayesian imputation of missing covariates and post- stratification. We discuss possible interpretations of this finding and argue for an emphasis on cultural context going forward in theories of crises and religion.
- Balchaturbhadra churna as a potential medicine for SARS-Cov2 infection in pediatric setting: An In-Silico study -
Background: Balchaturbharda Churna (BC), is four ingredients (Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. Ex Royle, Pistacia integerrima stew. Ex brandis, Piper Longum Linn. and Cyperus rotundus linn.) Ayurvedic powder dosage form, which is commonly prescribed for treating fever, cough, diarrhea in pediatric setting. Objective: This present study evaluates the possible effect of phytochemicals from the ingredients of BC on SARS-CoV-2 main protease (MPro), RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) and spike-ACE2 (SA) complex through in silico evaluation. Materials and methods: X-ray crystal structure of MPro and SA complex with PDB IDs 6LU7 and 6LZG and the SWISS model of RdRP were used as the drug targets. An enhanced docking methodology has been implemented to perform the molecular docking of these phytochemicals against the above-mentioned drug targets of SARS-CoV-2. DOCK 6 was used to perform docking of these phytochemicals. The ADMET and drug likeliness properties for these selected phytochemicals was performed using SWISS ADME. Results: The ensemble docking studies suggest that aconitine, lappaaconitine from Aconitum heterophyllum, 2’-hydroxyisorientin from Pistacia intergerrima and guineesine, pipercide and piperoic acid from Piper longum hold the potential to bind favorably with the SARS-CoV-2 drug targets. The drug likeliness and ADMET properties were calculated for these phytochemicals indicate that all the three phytochemicals from Piper longum were observed to have considerate drug-likeliness and ADMET properties. Aconitine has molecular weight slightly higher than 500 kDA and has more than 10 hydrogen bond acceptors. Conclusion: The in-silico study demonstrates that phytochmeicals from the ingredients BC viz., aconitine, lappaaconitine from Aconitum heterophyllum, 2’-hydroxyisorientin from Pistacia intergerrima and guineesine, pipercide and piperoic acid from Piper longum hold the potential to bind favourably with the SARS-CoV-2 drug targets. The study also provides evidence for drug likeliness and ADMET properties for these phytochemicals suggesting that BC can be further studied as potential drug of choice for treating SARS-CoV-2 infection in paediatric cases.
- Crowdsourcing interventions to promote uptake of COVID-19 booster vaccines -
We apply a novel crowdsourcing approach to provide rapid insights on the most promising interventions to promote uptake of COVID-19 booster vaccines. In the first stage, international experts proposed 46 unique interventions. To reduce noise and potential bias, in the second stage, experts and representative general population samples from the UK and the US rated the proposed interventions on several criteria, including expected effectiveness and acceptability. Sanctions were evaluated as potentially most effective but least accepted. Interventions that received the most positive evaluations regarding both effectiveness and acceptability across evaluation groups were a day off after getting vaccinated, financial incentives, tax benefits, benefit campaigns, and mobile vaccination teams. The results provide useful insights to help governments in their decision which interventions to implement.
- Spillover Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Attitudes to Influenza and Childhood Vaccines -
The aim of the current study was to explore whether the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people’s perceptions of other vaccines and diseases than COVID-19. In two samples of Finnish adults (N = 205 in Study 1 and N = 197 in Study 2), we longitudinally investigated whether there has been a change from before the COVID-19 pandemic to during the pandemic in: 1) influenza vaccination behavior and intentions, 2) the perceived benefit of childhood vaccines and influenza vaccines, 3) the perceived safety of childhood vaccines and influenza vaccines, 4) the perceived severity of measles and influenza, and 5) trust in health care professionals and health authorities in vaccine-related matters. The results indicated that more people had taken or had wanted to take the influenza vaccine during the pandemic than before. The respondents also considered influenza as more severe, and influenza vaccines as more beneficial and safe during the pandemic. For childhood vaccines, by contrast, there was only an increase in the perceived safety of the vaccines. Finally, in one of the studies, trust in health care professionals was higher during the pandemic than before. Taken together, these results suggest a spillover of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s perceptions of other vaccines and diseases.
- Openness to Experience Relates to COVID-19 Vaccination Rates across 48 United States -
Does geographic variation in personality across the United States relate to COVID-19 vaccination rates? To answer this question, we combined three state-level datasets: (a) Big Five personality averages (Rentfrow et al., 2008), (b) COVID-19 vaccination rates for those receiving at least one does and fully vaccinated people (CDC, 2021a), and (c) health-relevant covariates (population density, per capita GDP, and racial/ethnic data; Webster et al., 2021). Correlations showed openness as the strongest predictor of both one-dose (r = .50) and fully-vaccinated (r = .51) rates. Controlling for other traits, covariates, and spatial dependence, openness remained a significant predictor of both one-dose (rp = .33) and fully-vaccinated (rp = .55) rates. We suspect that states with higher average openness scores are more conducive to novel thinking and behavior—dispositions that may be crucial in motivating people to take new vaccines based on new technologies to confront a novel coronavirus.
- Understanding the trouble spot: Does vaccination status identification fuel societal polarization? -
As vaccination campaigns for COVID-19 fail to achieve sufficient immunization rates, public discord between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated has intensified globally. To explore the idea that identifying with one’s vaccination status plays a key role in this societal polarization, the study draws on unique survey data from large samples of vaccinated (n = 3,275) and unvaccinated (n = 2,042) respondents in Germany and Austria. The findings confirm that vaccination status identification (VSI) explains substantial variance in a range of polarizing attitudes and behaviors, indicating its importance for increasing conflicts between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. VSI was also found to relate to higher psychological reactance toward mandatory vaccination policies among the unvaccinated and to their intention to resist and evade such regulations. The results highlight a need to de-escalate this polarized situation as a prerequisite for discussion and implementation of more widely accepted and effective vaccination strategies to mitigate the pandemic.
- A qualitative exploration of the psychological impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on Irish university students -
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has caused significant mental health challenges across various populations but the psychological impact on university students, who represent a population particularly vulnerable to psychological distress, are yet to be understood. Using a socio-ecological lens, this qualitative research used online interviews to explore university students’ experience of COVID-19 lockdown and the psychological impact of these measures. Coping strategies used by students to deal with these circumstances were also identified. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 Irish students during the third wave of COVID-19 (January 2021) and the strictest lockdown measures. Thematic analysis identified three themes which highlighted how students were ‘negotiating change’ (theme 1), both in terms of lifestyle, academic life and social interactions. As a result of these major shifts in lifestyle, many experienced ‘feelings of loss’ (theme 2) at an intrapersonal, interpersonal and organisational level. Despite these challenging experiences of change and loss, participants also reflected on the positive aspects of lockdown, such as personal growth and improved social and family relationships (theme 3). Close relationships, goal setting, and self-care were identified as key coping strategies. These findings expands existing research on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted the important role of third level institutions in promoting students’ self-efficacy and personal development along with academic achievement.
- Attachment, loneliness, and social connection as prospective predictors of suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic: a relational diathesis-stress experience sampling study -
Introduction. Concerns about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health have led to efforts to understand how pandemic-specific factors, such as decreased social contact during periods of social distancing, may relate to suicide risk. The present study evaluated personality-based risk factors and frequency of social contact as prospective predictors of suicidal ideation (SI) during the pandemic. Methods. We tested a relational diathesis-stress model of suicide focusing on insecure attachment, trait loneliness, and social contact as predictors of SI, using twice-weekly survey data collected via smartphone from a community sample (n=184) over eight weeks. Results. Multilevel modeling showed that both trait loneliness and anxious attachment predicted the prospective development of SI during the study period. Reduced in-person contact, but not remote contact, was proximally associated with increased SI. Participants with low attachment anxiety, high attachment avoidance, and high trait loneliness were more likely to develop SI in the context of reduced daily in-person contact compared to participants without these traits. Conclusion. Findings support a relational diathesis-stress model of suicide risk during the pandemic, showing that dispositional traits related to emotional connection with others predicted the relative salience of reduced social contact as a proximal risk factor for SI.
- Short-sighted decision-making by those not vaccinated against COVID-19 -
Widespread vaccination is necessary to minimize or halt the effects of many infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Stagnating vaccine uptake can prolong pandemics, raising the question of how we might predict, prevent, and correct vaccine hesitancy and unwillingness. In a multinational sample (N=4,452) recruited from 13 countries that varied in pandemic severity and vaccine uptake (July 2021), we examined whether short-sighted decision-making as exemplified by steep delay discounting—choosing smaller immediate rewards over larger delayed rewards—predicts COVID-19 vaccination status. Delay discounting was steeper in unvaccinated individuals and predicted vaccination status over and above demographics or mental health. The results suggest that delay discounting, a personal characteristic known to be modifiable through cognitive interventions, is a contributing cause of differences in vaccine compliance.
- Reduced social contact and attachment insecurity as predictors of loneliness during COVID-19: a two-month experience sampling study -
The impact of reduced social contact on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic has been identified as a major public health concern. While personality factors such as attachment style have been associated with psychological distress during the pandemic, the longitudinal relevance of these factors and the role of daily social contact in mitigating distress remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the impact of social contact and attachment style on changes in loneliness over an 8-week experience sampling period during the COVID-19 pandemic. A general adult sample (n=184) recruited online completed measures of psychological distress, attachment, and loneliness via smartphone. Loneliness and daily social contact were assessed twice per week for eight weeks, yielding 1,124 unique observations. During the experience sampling period, proximal increases in loneliness were associated with decreased daily in-person contact. In contrast, participants who described themselves as having fewer interactions via text, phone, or videoconferencing, as well as those with higher anxious and avoidant attachment traits, reported greater experiences of loneliness over time. These findings suggest the relevance of both enduring personality characteristics and daily social behaviors as risk factors for loneliness during the pandemic, pointing to potential targets for clinical intervention and future empirical study.
- Generalized and behavioral trust: Correlation with nominating close friends in a social network -
A social environment, such as relational mobility which represents availability of opportunities to develop new relationships in society, cultivates an individual’s psychology or behavior in interpersonal situations and their social network. Generalized trust, which represents trust among people in general, is a psychological tendency to expand individuals’ social ties in a fluid society. Using the data of 158 students, we analyzed whether an individual’s belief of generalized trust measured by a psychological scale, behavioral trust in a Trust Game, and perception of relational mobility affected the social network in which they were embedded. We conducted a survey to assess psychological measures and social networks under the COVID-19 pandemic for first-year university students. After approximately six months, we subsequently conducted the Trust Game for the same students. We found that generalized trust correlated with the number of outdegrees (i.e., the nomination of close friends). In contrast, behavioral trust and the perception of relational mobility were not associated with generalized trust and any social network measures. The results support the argument that the belief of generalized trust functions as an adaptive psychological mechanism to expand individuals’ relationships in their social networks.
- Covid-19 Protective Behaviour Depends on an Interplay of National Policies and Individual Vulnerability: A Cross- Sectional Study of Older Adults in 27 European Countries -
Objectives To date, little is known on how policies and individual vulnerability affected the prevalence of protective behaviour. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of policies and individual vulnerability on the prevalence of protective behaviours. Design Data on the individual behaviour in 27 countries come from the “Corona Survey” module of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, collected in summer 2020. We considered: (a) never leaving home, (b) never going for a walk, (c) always wearing a face mask in a public space, and (d) never participating in social meetings. Data on policies from the “Our World in Data” database included: (1) stay-at-home restrictions, (2) face coverings policies, and (3) gatherings’ restrictions. We used the statistical method of multilevel regression. Participants Nationally representative sample of older adults (50 years and over); N=52,061 respondents (58% of women). Results The prevalence of protective behaviours and strictness of policies differed across countries, showing heterogeneity of responses to Covid-19. Stricter policies correlated with a higher prevalence of protective behaviour, but only for two out of four behaviours: stay-at-home policies correlated with avoiding walks, and stricter face-covering policy correlated with always wearing a mask. Vulnerable groups (older people and those in worse health) were more likely to use the protective measures. For social meetings and walks, stricter policies distributed the burden of protective behaviours more equally between more and less vulnerable groups. Conclusions Stricter policies not only increased the propensity of protective behaviour but also reduced social differences in protective behaviours. Our results suggest that visible and not-limiting behaviours responded to policies, whereas less visible and more limiting behaviours reflected individual vulnerability.
- Offline–but not online–autonomy and competence are associated with lower internalizing symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents in Perú -
Adolescent developmental tasks, including autonomy and competence, have been disrupted by COVID-19-related lockdowns around the world. In this observational study, we investigate how a sense of subjective autonomy and competence, both online and offline, relate to anxiety and depression during COVID-19 among 2,390 low and middle-income adolescents (11-17 years) in Perú. As we hypothesize, our data indicated that higher offline–and not online–autonomy and competence were robustly associated with lower internalizing symptoms. While the online sphere might offer opportunities for adolescents to fulfill developmental tasks, we found that virtual experiences—even those that facilitate a sense of autonomy and competence—are insufficient means to cope with the negative effects of physical restrictions in the context of a global pandemic.
- The upside: How people make sense of difficulty matters in a crisis -
We tested the prediction that how people respond to all-encompassing life difficulties that may require taking on novel difficult tasks or goals is a function of what they infer about their identities from these experiences of difficulty. We focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and identity-based motivation theory to test our predictions (N=698 U.S. adults, three datasets). People were more likely to see silver linings if they endorsed difficulty-as-importance (experienced difficulties with a task/goal as implying its importance) and difficulty-as-improvement (experienced life difficulties as possibly making them better people). Our structural equation models revealed that people who endorsed difficulty-as-importance were more likely to mask, distance, and wash hands in large part because they saw a silver lining for themselves in the pandemic; for difficulty-as-improvement, effects on action were fully mediated by seeing silver linings. Taken together, our results suggest that people apply their difficulty-as-importance and difficulty-as- improvement mindsets to cope with novel life difficulties.
Evaluation of Full Versus Fractional Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines Given as a Booster in Adults in Australia - Mongolia, Indonesia, Australia Coronavirus (MIACoV). - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Biological: Tozinameran - Standard dose; Biological: Tozinameran - fractional dose; Biological: Elasomeran - standard dose; Biological: Elasomeran - fractional dose
Sponsors: Murdoch Childrens Research Institute; Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations; PATH; The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
Not yet recruiting
Zofin to Treat COVID-19 Long Haulers - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Drug: Zofin; Other: Placebo
Sponsors:
Organicell Regenerative Medicine; Proxima Clinical Research, Inc.
Not yet recruiting
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Implemented With Virtual Reality for Post-COVID-19 Patients - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Procedure: Pulmonary rehabilitation
Sponsor:
The Opole University of Technology
Not yet recruiting
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Implemented With VR for Post-COVID-19 Patients - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Procedure: Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
Sponsor: The Opole University of Technology
Recruiting
COVID19 Oral Vaccine Consisting of Bacillus Subtilis Spores - Condition: COVID-19 Pneumonia
Intervention: Biological: Bacillus subtilis
Sponsors: DreamTec Research Limited; Middle East Cell and Gene Therapy; National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Completed
Effect of Daily Oral Administration of Food Supplement NLC-V in Patients Diagnosed With COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Dietary Supplement: NLC-V
Sponsor:
Todos Medical, Ltd.
Completed
Fourth COVID-19 Vaccine Dose- mRNA1273 - Condition: COVID-19 Pandemic
Intervention: Biological: mRNA1273 vaccine
Sponsor: Sheba Medical Center
Active, not recruiting
Study Design of the Diacerein in Patients With Covid-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Drug: Diacerein; Drug: placebo capsules
Sponsors: University of Campinas, Brazil; Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Not yet recruiting
HEART Rate Variability Biofeedback in LOng COVID-19 (HEARTLOC) - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Behavioral: Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRV-B)
Sponsors: University of Leeds; University of Manchester; Leeds Comunity Healthcare NHS Trust
Recruiting
Fourth BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccine Dose - Condition: COVID-19 Pandemic
Intervention: Biological: BNT162b2 vaccine
Sponsor: Sheba Medical Center
Active, not recruiting
A Phase II Study of the Immunogenicity and Safety of SCTV01C in Population Aged ≥12 Years and Previously Vaccinated With Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccine - Conditions: COVID-19; SARS-CoV2 Infection
Interventions: Biological: SCTV01C; Biological: Comirnaty
Sponsor: Sinocelltech Ltd.
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Aerobic Exercise in Patients With Post COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Other: High-intensity interval aerobic exercise training; Other: Control Group
Sponsor: Gazi University
Not yet recruiting
A Phase II Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Immunogenicity and Safety of SCTV01E in Population Aged ≥18 Years Previously Fully Vaccinated With mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine - Conditions: COVID-19; Sars-CoV-2 Infection
Interventions: Biological: SCTV01E; Biological: Comirnaty
Sponsor: Sinocelltech Ltd.
Not yet recruiting
A Phase II Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Immunogenicity and Safety of SCTV01C and SCTV01E in Population Aged ≥12 Years Previously Fully Vaccinated With Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccine - Conditions: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Interventions: Biological: SCTV01C; Biological: SCTV01E; Biological: Sinopharm inactivated COVID-19 vaccine
Sponsor: Sinocelltech Ltd.
Not yet recruiting
A Phase II Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Immunogenicity and Safety of SCTV01C in Population Aged ≥18 Years and Previously Fully Vaccinated With Either Inactivated or mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine or Previously Diagnosed With COVID-19 - Conditions: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Interventions: Biological: SCTV01C; Biological: Sinopharm inactivated COVID-19 vaccine; Biological: Comirnaty
Sponsor: Sinocelltech Ltd.
Not yet recruiting
A Computer-Aided Approach for the Discovery of D-Peptides as Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease - The SARS-CoV-2 main protease, also known as 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CL^(pro)), is a cysteine protease responsible for the cleavage of viral polyproteins pp1a and pp1ab, at least, at eleven conserved sites, which leads to the formation of mature nonstructural proteins essential for the replication of the virus. Due to its essential role, numerous studies have been conducted so far, which have confirmed 3CL^(pro) as an attractive drug target to combat Covid-19 and have reported a vast…
Phytochemicals of Euphorbia hirta L. and Their Inhibitory Potential Against SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease - Euphorbia hirta L. is a medicinal plant widely used in the Philippines and across tropical Asia against various diseases, including respiratory disorders. In this study, the phytochemical components of E. hirta were investigated in silico for their potential to inhibit the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 main protease (SARS-CoV-2 Mpro), a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) drug target that plays a critical role in the infection process of SARS- CoV-2. Phytochemical mining in…
Molecular Docking and Dynamics Studies to Explore Effective Inhibitory Peptides Against the Spike Receptor Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 - The spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a pandemic due to the high transmission and mortality rate of this virus. The world health and economic sectors have been severely affected by this deadly virus, exacerbated by the lack of sufficient efficient vaccines. The design of effective drug candidates and their rapid development is necessary to combat this virus. In this study, we selected 23 antimicrobial peptides from the literature and predicted…
Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Proteases for COVID-19 Antiviral Development - The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019 marked the third occurrence of a highly pathogenic coronavirus in the human population since 2003. As the death toll surpasses 5 million globally and economic losses continue, designing drugs that could curtail infection and disease progression is critical. In the US, three highly effective Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-authorized vaccines are currently available, and Remdesivir is approved for the treatment of…
Corrigendum: Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 by Targeting Conserved Viral RNA Structures and Sequences - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.802766.].
Perspectives on nano-nutraceuticals to manage pre and post COVID-19 infections - Optimized therapeutic bio-compounds supported by bio-acceptable nanosystems (i.e., precise nanomedicine) have ability to promote health via maintaining body structure, organ function, and controlling chronic and acute effects. Therefore, nano-nutraceuticals (designed to neutralize virus, inhibit virus bindings with receptors, and support immunity) utilization can manage COVID-19 pre/post-infection effects. To explore these approaches well, our mini-review explores optimized bio-active compounds,…
Antiviral drug discovery by targeting the SARS-CoV-2 polyprotein processing by inhibition of the main protease - The spread of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent for COVID-19, has led to a global and deadly pandemic. To date, few drugs have been approved for treating SARS-CoV-2 infections. In this study, a structure-based approach was adopted using the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M^(pro)) and a carefully selected dataset of 37,060 compounds comprising M^(pro) and antiviral protein-specific libraries. The compounds passed two-step docking filtration, starting with standard precision (SP) followed by extra…
Human/SARS-CoV-2 Genome-Scale Metabolic Modeling to Discover Potential Antiviral Targets for COVID-19 - BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a substantial increase in mortality and economic and social disruption. The absence of US Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) highlights the need for new therapeutic drugs to combat COVID-19.
Angiogenic Role of Mesothelium-Derived Chemokine CXCL1 During Unfavorable Peritoneal Tissue Remodeling in Patients Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis as Renal Replacement Therapy - Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a valuable ‘home treatment’ option, even more so during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. However, the long-term use of PD is limited by unfavourable tissue remodelling in the peritoneal membrane, which is associated with inflammation-induced angiogenesis. This appears to be driven primarily through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), while the involvement of other angiogenic signaling pathways is still poorly understood. Here, we have identified the crucial…
INSIGHTS INTO THE BIOLOGICAL IMPACT OF COVID-19 AND ITS VACCINES ON HUMAN HEALTH - COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-2019) is a contagious illness that has been declared a global epidemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The coronavirus causes diseases ranging in severity from the common cold to severe respiratory diseases and death. Coronaviruses primarily affect blood pressure by attaching to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2) receptor. This virus has an impact on multiple organ systems, including the central nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular system,…
Molecular docking studies of phytochemicals from Terminalia chebula for identification of potential multi-target inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 proteins - The COVID-19 caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as a global pandemic claiming more than 1.8 million deaths worldwide and no medicine has still been developed till date which is proved to have 100% efficiency in combating against this deadly disease. Terminalia chebula (T. chebula) is known to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we performed blind docking studies on fifteen…
Study on antibacterial wood coatings with soybean protein isolate nano-silver hydrosol - As the new coronavirus pneumonia swept the world in 2020, the demand for antibacterial products significantly increased. In this study, a soy protein isolate nano-silver hydrosol was prepared using an environmentally friendly Ag^(+) in situ reduction process, where the soy protein was ultrasonically blended with polyacrylic resin to obtain a polyacrylate- nano silver antibacterial wood coating. The structure of the soy protein isolate nano-silver hydrosol was assessed, and the structure and…
Molnupiravir: First Approval - Molnupiravir (Lagevrio^(®)) is an orally-administered antiviral prodrug that inhibits replication of RNA viruses through viral error induction. It is being developed by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics for the prevention and treatment of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Molnupiravir received its first approval on 4 November 2021 in the UK for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults with a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2) diagnostic test…
Long-term clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients treated with imatinib - No abstract
SARS-CoV-2 Infects Red Blood Cell Progenitors and Dysregulates Hemoglobin and Iron Metabolism - CONCLUSIONS: Our data identify RBC precursors as a direct target of SARS-CoV-2 and suggest that SARS-CoV-2 induced dysregulation in hemoglobin- and iron-metabolism contributes to the severe systemic course of COVID-19. This opens the door for new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
SOCIAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR MOBILE ROBOTS IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT TECHNOLOGY - The emergency department (ED) is a safety-critical environment in which healthcare workers (HCWs) are overburdened, overworked, and have limited resources, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. One way to address this problem is to explore the use of robots that can support clinical teams, e.g., to deliver materials or restock supplies. However, due to EDs being overcrowded, and the cognitive overload HCWs experience, robots need to understand various levels of patient acuity so they avoid disrupting care delivery. In this invention, we introduce the Safety-Critical Deep Q-Network (SafeDQN) system, a new acuity-aware navigation system for mobile robots. SafeDQN is based on two insights about care in EDs: high-acuity patients tend to have more HCWs in attendance and those HCWs tend to move more quickly. We compared SafeDQN to three classic navigation methods, and show that it generates the safest, quickest path for mobile robots when navigating in a simulated ED environment. We hope this work encourages future exploration of social robots that work in safety-critical, human-centered environments, and ultimately help to improve patient outcomes and save lives. Figure 1. - link
A SYSTEM BASED ON DEEP LEARNING FOR ANALYZING DELAYED ENHANCEMENT MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING TO IDENTIFY COVID 19 AND METHOD THEREOF - The present invention discloses a system based on deep learning for analyzing delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging to identify COVID 19 and method thereof. The method and system include, but not limited to, a processing unit adapted to process the data based on deep learning data modelling in the magnetic resonance imaging associated with the digital image scanning system for diagnosis COVID 19 with the spatial resolution that each frame is deposited is 256 * 256, and being creating that level and vertical resolution respectively are 256 pixels (pixel), the read/write address that the read/write address of each image element, which is controlled by processing unit and forms circuit and finishes; And the data that will be stored in memory are input to a real-time microcontroller, it is characterized in that: analyze and compare by the Multi-source Information Fusion analytical system by using the real-time microcontroller to deliver the D/A changer then, digital signal is become analogue signal output. - link
FOLDABLE KIDS NEST - The objective of the present invention is to provide a bird’s nest bag which allows a kid to sleep or sit inside. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the bird nest bag is used to isolate kids below 2 years, who are affected by COVID-19. The netted portion of the bag allows a clear visibility to check on the user by the medical assistants, during emergency situations. The children below two years of age can be isolated in the bags for a shorter duration. (Refer Fig. 1) - link
IDENTIFICATION AND ALARM SYSTEM FOR FACIAL CORONA MASK USING CNN BASED IMAGE PROCESSING - tThe covid-19 epidemic is the world’s largest wake-up call for people to pay attention to their own and society’s health. One thing to keep in mind is that there is a segment of the population that has been exposed to the covid-19 virus and has generated antibodies without developing any significant illnesses and is continuing to be healthy. This indicates that a significant section of the population, even excluding the elderly, lacks the necessary bodily immunity to combat a Viral infection. As terrible as covid-19 is on a global scale, developing personal health standards and preventative measures for any pathogenic virus as a community would have spared many lives. In’this work, a camera is combined with an image processing system to recognise facial masks, which may be improved in a variety of ways. First and foremost, this method is meant to identify masks on a single person’s face. While this method is efficient in identifying someone has a mask, it does not ensure that they will wear it all of the time. The most effective update for this task is to install a camera with a wide field of view so that many individuals can be seen in the frame, and the faces of those who aren’t wearing markings can be identified, as well as the number of people and the timing. - link
ANTIMICROBIAL SANITIZING FORMULATION - An antimicrobial sanitizing formulation, comprising, i) isopropyl alcohol in the range of 0.1%- 80% w/w, ii) an emollient in the range of 0.1%-15% w/w, iii) hydrogen peroxide in the range of 0.1 0.13% w/w, iv) citric acid in the range of 0.1% to 2.0% w/w, v) silver nitrate in the range of 0.1% to 0.5% w/w, and vi) a fragrance imparting agent in the range of 0.1% to 2.0% w/w. - link
A HEALTH BAND WITH A BIOMETRIC MODULE AND WORKING METHOD THEREOF - The present invention discloses a health band with a biometric module and method thereof. The assembly includes, but not limited to, a plurality of sensors configured to gather health data associated with a predefined symptom of a medical condition of a user; a memory unit configured to store the data and an interface, which is configured to determine the medical condition using the data;a processing unit configured to execute the application; and a notification facility configured to provide a notification upon receiving from the interface an instruction associated with the notification, wherein the notification is associated with a drug reminder and the like. - link
RNA 검출 방법 - 본 발명은 RNA의 분석 및 검출 방법에 관한 것이다. 특히, 본 발명은 특히, 본 발명은 짧은 염기서열의 RNA까지 분석이 가능하면서도 높은 민감도 및 정확도로 정량적 검출까지 가능하여 감염증, 암 등 여러 질환의 진단 용도로도 널리 활용될 수 있다. - link
黄芩黄酮活性成分及其制剂在制备预防和/或治疗炎症风暴药物中的应用 - 本发明公开了黄芩黄酮活性成分及其制剂在制备预防和/或治疗炎症风暴药物中的应用。所述黄芩黄酮活性成分选自下述至少一种：黄芩素、汉黄芩素和千层纸素A。炎症风暴是一种机体对外界刺激的过度免疫反应和炎症反应，以炎症细胞因子的快速大量释放为特征。炎症风暴可由许多感染或非感染性疾病引起，并与疾病的严重程度和多器官功能障碍综合征的发生密切相关。减少炎症风暴的发生有助于降低器官损伤和减缓疾病进程，尤其对危重症患者的治疗至关重要。本发明发现，黄芩素、汉黄芩素、千层纸素A均具有不同程度抑制小鼠细胞因子风暴的作用。黄芩素能改善炎症风暴引发的肺损伤和炎性细胞浸润。因此黄芩黄酮活性成分可用于制备防治炎症风暴的药物。 - link
一种预防和/或治疗炎症风暴的药物组合物及其制剂与应用 - 本发明公开了一种预防和/或治疗炎症风暴的药物组合物、制剂及其应用。该药物组合物，由黄芩素、汉黄芩素和千层纸素A组成，其中，黄芩素、汉黄芩素、千层纸素A的质量比为0.251.5：0.57：1。本发明提供的自微乳包括下述组分：药物磷脂复合物、油相、乳化剂和助乳化剂；其中，所述药物磷脂复合物由上述药物组合物和磷脂材料复合而成。本发明的实验结果表明在LPS诱导的系统性炎症风暴小鼠模型中，黄芩素、汉黄芩素和千层纸素A的组合物及其自微乳制剂均具有不同程度抑制小鼠细胞因子风暴的作用。本发明为炎症风暴的临床治疗提供了一种安全、有效、经济的解决方案。 - link
胸部CT图像识别方法、装置、计算机设备和存储介质 - 本申请涉及一种胸部CT图像识别方法、装置、计算机设备和存储介质。所述方法针对CT图像特点，设计轻量级的胸部CT图像识别网络更快速准确地识别出胸部CT图像。引入X‑DMFF模块，提升模型性能且降低计算成本。在DMS模块中引入Swin‑Transformer与残差学习，提取更多尺度的空间特征信息并对特征信息不断重用，提升模型分类效果。 - link