Covid-19 Sentry

Contents

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

From Preprints

• Analyzing Vaccination Priority Judgments for 132 Occupations Using Word Vector Models -
  Most human societies conduct a high degree of division of labor based on occupation. However, determining the occupational field that should be allocated a scarce resource such as vaccine is a topic of debate, especially considering the COVID-19 situation. Though it is crucial that we understand and anticipate people’s judgments on resource allocation prioritization, quantifying the concept of occupation is a difficult task. In this study, we investigated how well people’s judgments on vaccination prioritization for different occupations could be modeled by quantifying their knowledge representation of occupations as word vectors in a vector space. The results showed that the model that quantified occupations as word vectors indicated high out-of-sample prediction accuracy, enabling us to explore the psychological dimension underlying the participants’ judgments. These results indicated that using word vectors for modeling human judgments about everyday concepts allowed prediction of performance and understanding of judgment mechanisms.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Analyzing Vaccination Priority Judgments for 132 Occupations Using Word Vector Models
• Evaluation of The New Student Candidates admission Information System Using ISO/IEC 25010 Model -
  During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is very important to pay attention to the evaluation of the quality of higher education information systems because most of internet users were only accessed from home. So it is necessary to evaluate to produce a quality system. This study aimed to evaluate the information system for the candidate of new student admissions at the Muhammadiyah University of Education Sorong. This evaluation was conducted to find out that SIPMB Unimuda Sorong was designed according to the wishes, and how high the level of user satisfaction was. This study used five characteristics that exist in ISO/IE 25010. The results showed that the usability characteristic test obtained a percentage value of 77% in the Very Eligible category. Meanwhile, in testing the functional suitability characteristics, it obtained a score percentage of 98% in the Very Good category. In testing the performance efficiency characteristics, it has met the standard because the average time used is 3.1 seconds for page load, page size is 866 kb, page speed is in Grade C (72%), and Yslow is in grade A (93%) so that we get very good category. The maintainability characteristic test is carried out by taking into account the three test criteria. The test results showed that the system has met the three categories they were instrumentation, consistency, and simplicity, so that SIPMB has met the maintainability test. And testing the reliability characteristics obtained a percentage value of 100%, this shows that SIPMB has met the Telcordia standard. Based on the results of testing and analysis, it can be said that SIPM UNIMUDA Sorong has product quality in accordance with ISO/IEC 25010 Software Product Quality standards.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Evaluation of The New Student Candidates admission Information System Using ISO/IEC 25010 Model
• Waning immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 among vaccinees in Hong Kong -
  Background: Nearly 4 billion doses of the BioNTech-mRNA and Sinovac-inactivated vaccines have been administrated globally, yet different vaccine-induced immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) remain incompletely investigated. Methods: We compare the immunogenicity and durability of these two vaccines among fully vaccinated Hong Kong people. Findings: Standard BioNTech and Sinovac vaccinations were tolerated and induced neutralizing antibody (NAb) (100% and 85.7%) and spike-specific CD4 T cell responses (96.7% and 82.1%), respectively. The geometric mean NAb IC 50 and median frequencies of reactive CD4 subsets were consistently lower among Sinovacvaccinees than BioNTech-vaccinees. Against VOCs, NAb response rate and geometric mean IC 50 against B1.351 and B.1.617.2 were significantly lower for Sinovac (14.3%, 15 and 50%, 23.2) than BioNTech (79.4%, 107 and 94.1%, 131). Three months after vaccinations, NAbs to VOCs dropped near to detection limit, along with waning memory T cell responses, mainly among Sinovac-vaccinees. Interpretation: Our results indicate that Sinovac-vaccinees may face higher risk to pandemic VOCs breakthrough infection.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Waning immune responses against SARS- CoV-2 among vaccinees in Hong Kong
• SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Spike recognition by plasma from individuals receiving BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination with a 16-weeks interval between doses -
  Continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) is fueling the COVID-19 pandemic. Omicron (B.1.1.529), is rapidly spreading worldwide. The large number of mutations in its Spike raised concerns about a major antigenic drift that could significantly decrease vaccine efficacy and infection-induced immunity. A long interval between BNT162b2 mRNA doses was shown to elicit antibodies that efficiently recognize Spikes from different VOCs. Here we evaluated the recognition of Omicron Spike by plasma from a cohort of SARS-CoV-2 naive and previously-infected individuals that received their BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine 16-weeks apart. Omicron Spike was recognized less efficiently than D614G, Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta Spikes. We compared to plasma activity from participants receiving a short (4-weeks) interval regimen. Plasma from individuals of the long interval cohort neutralized better the Omicron Spike compared to those that received a short interval. Whether this difference confers any clinical benefit against Omicron remains unknown.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Spike recognition by plasma from individuals receiving BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination with a 16-weeks interval between doses
• Engineered ACE2 counteracts vaccine-evading SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant -
  The novel SARS-CoV-2 variant, Omicron (B.1.1.529) contains an unusually high number of mutations (>30) in the spike protein, raising concerns of escape from vaccines, convalescent sera and therapeutic drugs. Here we analyze the alteration of neutralizing titer with Omicron pseudovirus. Sera of 3 months after double BNT162b2 vaccination exhibit approximately 18-fold lower neutralization titers against Omicron. Convalescent sera from Alpha and Delta patients allow similar levels of breakthrough by Omicron. However, some Delta patients have relatively preserved neutralization efficacy, comparable to 3-month double BNT162b2 vaccination. Domain-wise analysis using chimeric spike revealed that this efficient evasion was, at least in part, caused by multiple mutations in the N-terminal domain. Omicron escapes the therapeutic cocktail of imdevimab and casirivimab, whereas sotrovimab, which targets a conserved region to avoid viral mutation, remains effective against Omicron. The ACE2 decoy is another virus-neutralizing drug modality that is free, at least in theory, from mutational escape. Deep mutational analysis demonstrated that, indeed, the engineered ACE2 overcomes every single-residue mutation in the receptor-binding domain, similar to immunized sera. Like previous SARS- CoV-2 variants, Omicron and some other sarbecoviruses showed high sensitivity against engineered ACE2, confirming the therapeutic value against diverse variants, including those that are yet to emerge.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Engineered ACE2 counteracts vaccine-evading SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant
• SARS-CoV-2 Omicron neutralization by therapeutic antibodies, convalescent sera, and post-mRNA vaccine booster -
  The rapid spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 along with its high number of mutations in the spike gene has raised alarm about the effectiveness of current medical countermeasures. To address this concern, we measured neutralizing antibodies against Omicron in three important settings: (1) post-vaccination sera after two and three immunizations with the Pfizer/BNT162b2 vaccine, (2) convalescent sera from unvaccinated individuals infected by different variants, and (3) clinical-stage therapeutic antibodies. Using a pseudovirus neutralization assay, we found that titers against Omicron were low or undetectable after two immunizations and in most convalescent sera. A booster vaccination significantly increased titers against Omicron to levels comparable to those seen against the ancestral (D614G) variant after two immunizations. Neither age nor sex were associated with differences in post-vaccination antibody responses. Only three of 24 therapeutic antibodies tested retained their full potency against Omicron and high- level resistance was seen against fifteen. These findings underscore the potential benefit of booster mRNA vaccines for protection against Omicron and the need for additional therapeutic antibodies that are more robust to highly mutated variants.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: SARS-CoV-2 Omicron neutralization by therapeutic antibodies, convalescent sera, and post-mRNA vaccine booster
• Broad and Long-lasting Immune Response against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Other Variants by PIKA-Adjuvanted Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) Protein Subunit Vaccine (YS-SC2-010) -
  Recently SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant was identified in South Africa with numerous mutations in spike protein, and numerous community infections have been reported and raised grave concern around the world. Some studies found that the neutralization effects of several licensed vaccines against Omicron were dramatically reduced, which significantly affected antibody mediated protection, especially for individuals whose immunization were completed after extended period. In this regard, we studied the persistence and neutralization activity toward mutant strains in animal serum immunized with PIKA-adjuvanted recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subunit vaccine (YS-SC2-010). Here we are reporting that animal serum collected at 596 days after immunization with YS-SC2-010 still retains high and persistent neutralizing activity against all the Variant of Concern (VOC) variants, including Omicron variant. Although it is a blessed event to achieve 20 months long neutralization against Omicron variant after immunization with YS-SC2-010, it was also founded that the neutralization effect of immune serum on Omicron decreased by 6.29 folds as compared to D614G, more significantly when compared with other mutant strains.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Broad and Long-lasting Immune Response against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Other Variants by PIKA-Adjuvanted Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) Protein Subunit Vaccine (YS-SC2-010)
• Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) limits lethality of SARS-CoV-2 in mice -
  Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) is a host antiviral protein that alters cell membranes to block fusion of viruses. Published reports have identified conflicting pro- and anti-viral effects of IFITM3 on SARS-CoV-2 in cultured cells, and its impact on viral pathogenesis in vivo remains unclear. Here, we show that IFITM3 knockout (KO) mice infected with mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 experienced extreme weight loss and lethality, while wild type (WT) mice lost minimal weight and recovered. KO mice had higher lung viral titers and increases in lung inflammatory cytokine levels, CD45-positive immune cell infiltration, and histopathology, compared to WT mice. Mechanistically, we observed disseminated viral antigen staining throughout the lung tissue and pulmonary vasculature in KO mice, while staining was observed in confined regions in WT lungs. Global transcriptomic analysis of infected lungs identified upregulation of gene signatures associated with interferons, inflammation, and angiogenesis in KO versus WT animals, highlighting changes in lung gene expression programs that precede severe lung pathology and fatality. Corroborating the protective effect of IFITM3 in vivo, K18-hACE2/IFITM3 KO mice infected with non-adapted SARS-CoV-2 showed enhanced, rapid weight loss and early death compared to control mice. Increased heart infection was observed in both mouse models in the absence of IFITM3, indicating that IFITM3 constrains extrapulmonary dissemination of SARS-CoV-2. Our results establish IFITM3 KO mice as a new animal model for studying severe SARS-CoV-2 infection of the lung and cardiovascular system, and overall demonstrate that IFITM3 is protective in SARS-CoV-2 infections of mice.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) limits lethality of SARS-CoV-2 in mice
• Surveillance and correlation of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA, antigen, virus isolation, and self-reported symptoms in a longitudinal study with daily sampling -

  The novel coronavirus pandemic incited unprecedented demand for assays that detect viral nucleic acids, viral proteins, and corresponding antibodies. The 320 molecular diagnostics in receipt of FDA emergency use authorization mainly focus on viral detection; however, no currently approved test can be used to infer infectiousness, i.e., the presence of replicable virus. As the number of tests conducted increased, persistent SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity by RT-PCR in some individuals led to concerns over quarantine guidelines. To this end, we attempted to design an assay that reduces the frequency of positive test results from individuals who do not shed culturable virus. We describe multiplex quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) assays that detect genomic RNA (gRNA) and subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) species of SARS-CoV-2, including spike (S), nucleocapsid (N), membrane (M), envelope (E), and ORF8. The absolute copy number of each RNA target was determined in longitudinal specimens from a household transmission study. Calculated viral RNA levels over the 14-day follow up period were compared with antigen testing and self-reported symptoms to characterize the clinical and molecular dynamics of infection and infer predictive values of these qRT-PCR assays relative to culture isolation. When detection of sgS RNA was added to the CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel, we found a qRT-PCR positive result was 98% predictive of a positive culture (negative predictive value was 94%). Our findings suggest sgRNA presence correlates with active infection, may help identify individuals shedding culturable virus, and that similar multiplex assays can be adapted to current and future variants.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Surveillance and correlation of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA, antigen, virus isolation, and self-reported symptoms in a longitudinal study with daily sampling
• A magnetic bead immunoassay to detect human IgG reactive to SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 RBD produced in Escherichia coli -

  Immunological assays to detect SARS-CoV-2 Spike receptor binding domain antigen seroconversion in humans are important tools to monitor the levels of protecting antibodies in the population in response to infection and/or immunization. Here we describe a simple, low cost and high throughput Ni2+ magnetic bead immunoassay to detect human IgG reactive to Spike S1 RBD Receptor Binding Domain produced in Escherichia coli. A 6xHis tagged Spike S1 RBD was expressed in E. coli and purified by affinity chromatography. The protein was mobilized on the surface of Ni2+ magnetic beads and used to investigate the presence of reactive IgG in the serum obtained from pre-pandemic and COVID-19 confirmed cases. The method was validated with a cohort of 290 samples and an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.94 was obtained. The method operated with>82% sensitivity at 98% specificity and was also able to track human IgG raised in response to vaccination with Comirnaty with 85% sensitivity. The IgG signal obtained with the described method was well correlated with the signal obtained when pre fusion Spike produced in HEK cell lines were used as antigen. This novel low-cost and high throughput immunoassay may act as an important tool to investigate protecting IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the human population.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: A magnetic bead immunoassay to detect human IgG reactive to SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 RBD produced in Escherichia coli
• Seroconversion rate after primary vaccination with two doses of BNT162b2 versus mRNA-1273 in solid organ transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis -

  In the general population, the seroconversion rate after primary vaccination with two doses of anti-SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine reaches nearly 100%, with significantly higher antibody titers after mRNA-1273 vaccination compared to BNT162b2 vaccination. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the antibody response after two-dose mRNA-1273 versus BNT162b2 vaccination in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. A systematic literature research was performed in Pubmed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library and original research papers were included for a meta-analysis to calculate vaccine-specific seroconversion rates for each of the mRNA vaccines. Next, the pooled relative seroconversion rate was estimated. Six studies that described the development of antibodies against receptor- binding domain (RBD) and/or S1 subunit of the spike protein were eligible for meta-analysis. Two of them also reported antibody titers. The meta-analysis revealed lower seroconversion rates in SOT recipients vaccinated with two doses of BNT162b2 (45.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 32.5%-58.3%) than patients vaccinated with two doses of mRNA-1273 (60.4%; 95% CI 47.4%-72.7%. The relative seroconversion rate amounted 0.79 (95% CI 0.71-0.88). This systematic review and meta- analysis indicates that, in SOT recipients, higher seroconversion rates were observed after vaccination with mRNA-1273 compared to BNT162b2.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Seroconversion rate after primary vaccination with two doses of BNT162b2 versus mRNA-1273 in solid organ transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
• Dynamics of immune recall following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or breakthrough infection -

  Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 results in protection from acquisition of infection as well as improved clinical outcomes even if infection occurs, likely reflecting a combination of residual vaccine-elicited immunity and the recall of immunological memory. Here, we define the early kinetics of spike-specific humoral and T cell immunity after vaccination of seropositive individuals, and after breakthrough infection in vaccinated individuals. Intensive and early longitudinal sampling reveals the timing and magnitude of recall, with the phenotypic activation of B cells preceding an increase in neutralizing antibody titres. In breakthrough infections, the delayed kinetics of humoral immune recall provides a mechanism for the lack of early control of viral replication but likely underpins accelerated viral clearance and the protective effects of vaccination against severe COVID-19.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Dynamics of immune recall following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or breakthrough infection
• Persistent symptoms among children and adolescents with and without anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies: a population-based serological study in Geneva, Switzerland -

  Background: It is now established that a significant proportion of adults experience persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, evidence for children and adolescents is still inconclusive. In this population-based study, we examine the proportion of children and adolescents reporting persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection, as assessed by serological status, and compare this to a seronegative control group. Methods: We conducted a serosurvey in June-July 2021, recruiting 660 children and adolescents from 391 households selected randomly from the Geneva population. We tested participants for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies targeting the nucleocapsid (N) protein to determine previous infection. A parent filled a questionnaire including questions on COVID-19-related symptoms lasting at least 2 weeks. Findings: Among children seropositive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, the sex- and age-adjusted prevalence of symptoms lasting longer than two weeks was 18.3%, compared to 11.1% among seronegative children (prevalence difference (ΔaPrev)=7.2%, 95%CI:1.5-13.0). Main symptoms declared among seropositive children were fatigue (11.5%) and headache (11.1%). For 8.6% (aPrev, 95%CI: 4.7-12.5) of seropositives, these symptoms were declared to be highly limiting of daily activities. Adolescents aged 12-17 years had a higher adjusted prevalence of persistent symptoms (aPrev=29.1%, 95%CI:19.4-38.7) than younger children. Comparing seropositive and seronegative adolescents, the estimated prevalence of symptoms lasting over four weeks is 4.4% (ΔaPrev, 95%CI:-3.8-13.6). Interpretation: A significant proportion of children aged 12 to 17 years had symptoms lasting over two weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection, with an estimated prevalence of symptoms lasting over 4 weeks of 4.4% in this age group. This represents a large number of adolescents in absolute terms, and should raise concern in the context of unknown long-term evolution of symptoms. Younger children appear to experience long-lasting symptoms less frequently, as no difference was observed between the seropositive and seronegative sample. Further studies with larger samples sizes are needed.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Persistent symptoms among children and adolescents with and without anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies: a population-based serological study in Geneva, Switzerland
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in hospitals and long-term care facilities for reducing hospital and facility- acquired bacterial and viral infections: A systematic review -

  Background: Multiply drug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in hospitals and long-term care facilities (LTCFs) of particular concern include meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococcus, multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter species and extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing organisms. Respiratory viruses include influenza and SARS-CoV-2. Aim: To assess effectiveness of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in hospitals and LTCFs. Methods: CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Medline, and Scopus searched inception to 28 June 2021, no language restrictions, for randomized controlled trials, cleaning, disinfection, hospitals, LTCFs. Abstracts and titles were assessed and data abstracted independently by two authors. Findings: Of fourteen c-RCTs in hospitals and LTCFs, interventions in ten were focused on reducing patient infections of four MDROs and/or healthcare- associated infections (HAIs). In four c-RCTs patient MDRO and/or HAI rates were significantly reduced with cleaning and disinfection strategies including bleach, quaternary ammonium detergents, ultraviolet irradiation, hydrogen peroxide vapour and copper-treated surfaces or fabrics. Of three c-RCTs focused on reducing MRSA rates, one had significant results and one on Clostridioides difficile had no significant results. Heterogeneity of populations, methods, outcomes and data reporting precluded meta-analysis. Overall risk of bias assessment was low but high for allocation concealment, and GRADE assessment was low risk. No study assessed biofilms. Conclusions: Ten c-RCTs focused on reducing multiple MDROs and/or HAIs and four had significant reductions. Three c-RCTs reported only patient MRSA colonization rates (one significant reductions), and one focused on Clostridioides difficile (no significant differences). Standardised primary and secondary outcomes are required for future c-RCTs including detailed biofilm cleaning/disinfection interventions.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in hospitals and long-term care facilities for reducing hospital and facility-acquired bacterial and viral infections: A systematic review
• Vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection with the Omicron or Delta variants following a two-dose or booster BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 vaccination series: A Danish cohort study -

  In this brief communication we are showing original research results with early estimates from Danish nationwide databases of vaccine effectiveness (VE) against the novel SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) up to five months after a primary vaccination series with the BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 vaccines. Our study provides evidence of protection against infection with the Omicron variant after completion of a primary vaccination series with the BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 vaccines; in particular, we found a VE against the Omicron variant of 55.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 23.5 to 73.7%) and 36.7% (95% CI: -69.9 to 76.4%) for the BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines, respectively, in the first month after primary vaccination. However, the VE is significantly lower than that against Delta infection and declines rapidly over just a few months. The VE is re-established upon revaccination with the BNT162b2 vaccine (54.6%, 95% CI: 30.4 to 70.4%).

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Vaccine effectiveness against SARS- CoV-2 infection with the Omicron or Delta variants following a two-dose or booster BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 vaccination series: A Danish cohort study

From Clinical Trials

• Trial to Evaluate Nitazoxanide for Treatment of Mild COVID-19 in Subjects Not at High Risk of Severe Illness - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: Nitazoxanide;   Drug: Placebo;   Dietary Supplement: Vitamin Super-B Complex
  Sponsor:   Romark Laboratories L.C.
  Not yet recruiting

• Trial to Evaluate Nitazoxanide for Treatment of Mild or Moderate COVID-19 in Subjects at High Risk of Severe Illness - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: Nitazoxanide;   Dietary Supplement: Vitamin Super-B Complex;   Drug: Placebo;   Other: Standard of Care
  Sponsor:  
  Romark Laboratories L.C.
  Not yet recruiting

• A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial of Ivermectin With Favipiravir in Mild-to-moderate COVID-19 Patients - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: Ivermectin Tablets;   Other: Placebo
  Sponsors:   Mahidol University;   Prince of Songkla University
  Not yet recruiting

• A Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy Study of IBI314 in Ambulatory Patients With COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Biological: IBI314;   Other: Placebo
  Sponsor:   Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co. Ltd.
  Not yet recruiting

• Adrecizumab (HAM8101) to Improve Prognosis and Outcomes in COVID-19 Trial - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Biological: Adrecizumab (HAM 8101);   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsor:   Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
  Not yet recruiting

• Safety, Tolerability, and Treatment Effect of Belnacasan in Patients With COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: Belnacasan;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsor:  
  MedStar Health
  Recruiting

• A Study Evaluating Tocilizumab in Pediatric Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Drug: Tocilizumab
  Sponsor:   Hoffmann- La Roche
  Not yet recruiting

• Immunogenicity Study of the Covid-19 (Recombinante) Vaccine With a 4 or 8 Week Interval Between the First Doses. - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Biological: Covid-19 (recombinante) vaccine
  Sponsor:   The Immunobiological Technology Institute (Bio-Manguinhos) / Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz)
  Active, not recruiting

• A Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of the Combination of SCTA01 & SCTA01C in Outpatients With COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: SCTA01 and SCTA01C;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsor:   Sinocelltech Ltd.
  Not yet recruiting

• Efficacy,Immunogenicity and Safety of COVID-19 Vaccine , Inactivated Booster Dose in Adults Aged 18 Years and Above - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Biological: Medium-dosage COVID-19 Vaccine,Inactivated;   Biological: High-dosage COVID-19 Vaccine,Inactivated;   Biological: Placebo-comparator group
  Sponsor:  
  Sinovac Research and Development Co., Ltd.
  Not yet recruiting

• Safety and Immunogenicity Study of Booster Vaccination in Different Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine (Vero Cell),Inactivated for Prevention of COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Biological: High-dosage of COVID-19 vaccine (Vero cell), Inactivated;   Biological: Medium-dose COVID-19 Vaccine(Vero Cell),Inactivated
  Sponsor:  
  Sinovac Research and Development Co., Ltd.
  Active, not recruiting

• Clinical Trial for Oral Formula of Vanillin and Wheat Germ Oil for Treatment of Mild and Moderate COVID-19 Viral Disease - Condition:   Mild-to-moderate COVID-19
  Intervention:   Drug: Oral Capsule
  Sponsors:  
  Alexandria University;   Assoc. Prof. Ayman Baeis;   Dr. Noha Alaa Eldine Hassan Hamdy;   Ph. Hanya Hesham Sweilam
  Recruiting

• Safety and Immunogenicity Study of Booster Vaccination With COVID-19 Vaccine (Vero Cell),Inactivated From Different Manufactures for Prevention of COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Biological: Experimental vaccine 1;   Biological: Experimental vaccine 2;   Biological: Experimental vaccine 3
  Sponsor:  
  Sinovac Research and Development Co., Ltd.
  Not yet recruiting

• Combination Assessment Trial of COVID-19 Vaccines (COMBAT-COVID) - Condition:   COVID 19 Vaccine
  Interventions:   Biological: BIBP (CNBG, Sinopharm) WIV;   Biological: CanSinoBIO;   Biological: AstraZeneca ChAdOx
  Sponsors:  
  Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan;   Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations;   University of Oxford;   International Vaccine Institute;   Harvard Medical School (HMS and HSDM);   Chughtai Lab;   National Institute of Health, Pakistan
  Not yet recruiting

• Oral Neutralizing Antibody Booster for Post-vaccinated People With COVID19 Vaccine - Condition:   COVID-19 Pandemic
  Intervention:   Dietary Supplement: Bacillus subtilis spore extract
  Sponsors:   DreamTec Research Limited;   Hong Kong Metropolitan University;   DreamTec Cytokine Limited
  Recruiting

From PubMed

• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Membrane (M) and Spike (S) Proteins Antagonize Host Type I Interferon Response - Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread worldwide and has infected more than 250 million people. A typical feature of COVID-19 is the lack of type I interferon (IFN-I)-mediated antiviral immunity in patients. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 evades the IFN-I-mediated antiviral response remain elusive. Here, we performed a comprehensive screening and identified a set of SARS-CoV-2…

• Impairment of T cells’ antiviral and anti-inflammation immunities may be critical to death from COVID-19 - Clarifying dominant factors determining the immune heterogeneity from non-survivors to survivors is crucial for developing therapeutics and vaccines against COVID-19. The main difficulty is quantitatively analysing the multi-level clinical data, including viral dynamics, immune response and tissue damages. Here, we adopt a top-down modelling approach to quantify key functional aspects and their dynamical interplay in the battle between the virus and the immune system, yielding an accurate…

• Mechanism of Blood-Heart-Barrier Leakage: Implications for COVID-19 Induced Cardiovascular Injury - Although blood-heart-barrier (BHB) leakage is the hallmark of congestive (cardio-pulmonary) heart failure (CHF), the primary cause of death in elderly, and during viral myocarditis resulting from the novel coronavirus variants such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome novel corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) known as COVID-19, the mechanism is unclear. The goal of this project is to determine the mechanism of the BHB in CHF. Endocardial endothelium (EE) is the BHB against leakage of blood from…

• Polyethylene Films Containing Plant Extracts in the Polymer Matrix as Antibacterial and Antiviral Materials - Low density polyethylene (LDPE) films covered with active coatings containing mixtures of rosemary, raspberry, and pomegranate CO(2) extracts were found to be active against selected bacterial strains that may extend the shelf life of food products. The coatings also offer antiviral activity, due to their influence on the activity of Φ6 bacteriophage, selected as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 particles. The mixture of these extracts could be incorporated into a polymer matrix to obtain a foil with…

• Iota-Carrageenan Inhibits Replication of SARS-CoV-2 and the Respective Variants of Concern Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta - The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread around the world and remains a major public health threat. Vaccine inefficiency, vaccination breakthroughs and lack of supply, especially in developing countries, as well as the fact that a non-negligible part of the population either refuse vaccination or cannot be vaccinated due to age, pre-existing illness or non-response to existing vaccines intensify this issue. This might also contribute to the emergence of new variants, being more efficiently…

• Coronavirus Infection-Associated Cell Death Signaling and Potential Therapeutic Targets - COVID-19 is the name of the disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that occurred in 2019. The virus-host-specific interactions, molecular targets on host cell deaths, and the involved signaling are crucial issues, which become potential targets for treatment. Spike protein, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), cathepsin L-cysteine peptidase, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), nonstructural protein 1 (Nsp1), open reading frame 7a…

• Polyphenols as Potential Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 RNA Dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp) - An increasing number of studies have demonstrated the antiviral nature of polyphenols, and many polyphenols have been proposed to inhibit SARS-CoV or SARS-CoV-2. Our previous study revealed the inhibitory mechanisms of polyphenols against DNA polymerase α and HIV reverse transcriptase to show that polyphenols can block DNA elongation by competing with the incoming NTPs. Here we applied computational approaches to examine if some polyphenols can also inhibit RNA polymerase (RdRp) in SARS-CoV-2,…

• Hydroxyzine Use and Mortality in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19: A Multicenter Observational Study - (1) Background: Based on its antiviral activity, anti-inflammatory properties, and functional inhibition effects on the acid sphingomyelinase/ceramide system (FIASMA), we sought to examine the potential usefulness of the H1 antihistamine hydroxyzine in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. (2) Methods: In a multicenter observational study, we included 15,103 adults hospitalized for COVID-19, of which 164 (1.1%) received hydroxyzine within the first 48 h of hospitalization, administered orally at a…

• Angiotensin System Modulations in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats and Consequences on Erythrocyte Properties; Action of MLN-4760 and Zofenopril - Various pathologies (COVID-19 including) are associated with abnormalities in erythrocyte properties. Hypertension represents an unfavorable condition for erythrocyte quality and is the most prevalent risk factor in COVID-19 patients. ACE2 downregulation that is typical of these patients can further deteriorate cardiovascular health; however, its consequences on erythrocyte properties are not known yet. The aim was to investigate the effect of ACE2 inhibition and the potential beneficial effect…

• COVID-19 Specific Immune Markers Revealed by Single Cell Phenotypic Profiling - COVID-19 is a viral infection, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and characterized by a complex inflammatory process and clinical immunophenotypes. Nowadays, several alterations of immune response within the respiratory tracts as well as at the level of the peripheral blood have been well documented. Nonetheless, their effects on COVID-19-related cell heterogeneity and disease progression are less defined. Here, we performed a single-cell RNA sequencing…

• In Silico Drug Repurposing for Anti-Inflammatory Therapy: Virtual Search for Dual Inhibitors of Caspase-1 and TNF- Alpha - Inflammation involves a complex biological response of the body tissues to damaging stimuli. When dysregulated, inflammation led by biomolecular mediators such as caspase-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) can play a detrimental role in the progression of different medical conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, and cytokine storms caused by viral infections such as COVID-19. Computational approaches can accelerate the search for dual-target drugs able…

• Post-Translational Modification of HMGB1 Disulfide Bonds in Stimulating and Inhibiting Inflammation - High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), a highly conserved nuclear DNA-binding protein, is a “damage-associated molecular pattern” molecule (DAMP) implicated in both stimulating and inhibiting innate immunity. As reviewed here, HMGB1 is an oxidation-reduction sensitive DAMP bearing three cysteines, and the post-translational modification of these residues establishes its proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory activities by binding to different extracellular cell surface receptors. The…

• Efflux Pump Mediated Antimicrobial Resistance by Staphylococci in Health-Related Environments: Challenges and the Quest for Inhibition - The increasing emergence of antimicrobial resistance in staphylococcal bacteria is a major health threat worldwide due to significant morbidity and mortality resulting from their associated hospital- or community-acquired infections. Dramatic decrease in the discovery of new antibiotics from the pharmaceutical industry coupled with increased use of sanitisers and disinfectants due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic can further aggravate the problem of antimicrobial resistance. Staphylococci…

• Antibacterial, Immunomodulatory, and Lung Protective Effects of Boswelliadalzielii Oleoresin Ethanol Extract in Pulmonary Diseases: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies - Lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and pneumonia are causing many global health problems. The COVID-19 pandemic has directed the scientific community’s attention toward performing more research to explore novel therapeutic drugs for pulmonary diseases. Herein, gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry tentatively identified 44 compounds in frankincense ethanol extract (FEE). We investigated the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of FEE against…

• Performance Evaluation of the BZ COVID-19 Neutralizing Antibody Test for the Culture-Free and Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies - Rapid and accurate measurement of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) can aid in understanding the development of immunity against COVID-19. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of a rapid SARS-CoV-2 nAb detection test called the BZ COVID-19 nAb test BZ-nAb (BZ-nAb; BioZentech). Using the 90% plaque-reduction neutralization test (PRNT-90) as a reference, 104 serum specimens collected from COVID-19-positive and -negative patients were grouped into 40 PRNT-90-positive and 64…

From Patent Search

• Hung Thanh Phan COVID-19 NEW SOLUTION - - link

• METHODS OF TREATING SARS-COV-2 INFECTION - - link

• REAL-TIME REST BREAK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR WORKPLACE - The present invention relates to a real-time rest break management system for workplace that comprises of a work desk, wherein first portion is incorporated with a biometric unit 4 for authenticating first user, and a second portion with a telescopic panel 2 associated with a weight sensor 6 and timer unit 7 calculating weight of head/hand manifesting user presence and their resting time period is mounted with an inflated cushion 5, an interactive primary display unit 1 attached over desk enables user to set first/second threshold time for sleeping/taking break, further linked with a tracking interface keeping track of activities and a vibrating unit crafted inside the cushion 5 which is linked to a secondary display unit 8 of second user, giving them access to actuate vibrating unit generating impulses to wake first user when threshold time period is exceeded by the first user. - link

• P2P 네트워크를 이용한 내장된 화상회의 시스템 - 본 발명은 P2P 네트워크를 이용한 내장된 화상회의 시스템에 관한 것으로, 상태표시부(1), 영상송출부(2), 제어부(3), 광고부(4), 입력부(5)를 포함한다. - link

• 小分子化合物肌醇六磷酸酯钠水合物在制备抗SARS-CoV-2药物中的应用 - 本发明公开了小分子化合物肌醇六磷酸酯钠水合物在制备抗严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2(SARS‑CoV‑2)药物中的应用，所述抗SARS‑CoV‑2药物是以肌醇六磷酸酯钠水合物为唯一的活性成份，或包含肌醇六磷酸酯钠水合物的药物组合物，所述抗SARS‑CoV‑2药物是指预防或治疗SARS‑CoV‑2感染的药物。本发明利用SARS‑CoV‑2的易感细胞系，包括非洲绿猴肾细胞Vero

E6以及人肺腺癌细胞Calu‑3，检测肌醇六磷酸酯钠水合物的抗SARS‑CoV‑2活性。实验结果显示，肌醇六磷酸酯钠水合物能有效抑制SARS‑CoV‑2对上述易感细胞的感染，且细胞毒性较小，有希望作为有效抗SARS‑CoV‑2感染的药物，具有应用前景。 - link

• A DOORBELL SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND RECORDING A PHYSIOLOGICAL DATA OF A PERSON - AbstractTitle: A doorbell system for monitoring and recording a physiological data of a person The present invention provides a doorbell system 500 for monitoring and recording a physiological data of a person. The doorbell system 500 having a transmitter module 100 and a receiving module 200. The transmitter module 100 is having a TOF sensor module 110, an ultrasound detector 120, and an infrared detector 130. Further, a speech recognition system 150, a facial recognition system 160, and a temperature detector 190 are provided for recognizing speech, face, and temperature of the person by comparing pre-stored data. A controlling module 180 is set with a predefined commands for communicating with the transmitter module 100 and receiving module 200. The collected facial and speech data is compared and matched with the pre-stored data then the temperature detector 190 triggers and the door opens when the captured body temperature of the person is matched within the predefined range of temperature.Figure 1 - link

• A study of contemporary trends in investing patterns, household savings, and economic investment. - Because household savings and household investments are intertwined and interdependent, they are discussed briefly in this paper. Household savings account for more than half of a country’s capital formation, which fluctuates due to a variety of economic factors such as inflation and interest rates. Households should gradually shift their savings and investments from physical assets to financial assets to avoid a sudden change in wealth. They should also save and invest using a variety of platforms. Trends in investing and saving will be easier to track and measure this way. This year’s domestic saving rate in India is 2.3 percent lower than last year’s and 1.2 percent lower than the year before. Since 2011, general domestic savings have been steadily declining, with the trend continuing into the following year. According to official data, the GDP in 2020 shrank by 23.9%, the least in previous years and the least since the Covid-19 pandemic in previous years. As a result, the information presented in this paper is drawn from and evaluated from other sources - link

• 靶向刺激体液免疫和细胞免疫的新冠病毒mRNA疫苗 - 本发明公开了一种靶向刺激体液免疫和细胞免疫的新冠病毒mRNA疫苗。本申请的第一方面提供一种分离的DNA分子组合，该DNA分子组合包括第一DNA分子和第二DNA分子和第三DNA分子中的至少一种。通过第一DNA分子以及第二DNA分子和/或第三DNA分子的组合，利用第一DNA分子最终合成的mRNA诱导高滴度的交叉中和抗体，利用第二DNA分子和/或第三DNA分子最终合成的mRNA诱导新冠病毒特异性的细胞毒性T淋巴细胞，从而高效地同时激活相对独立的体液免疫应答和细胞免疫应答，应对新冠病毒在流行传播过程中产生的突变毒株所引发的突破性感染。 - link

• 跨膜丝氨酸蛋白酶2抑制剂在制备治疗和/或预防冠状病毒感染药物中的用途 - 本发明公开了跨膜丝氨酸蛋白酶2抑制剂在制备治疗和/或预防冠状病毒感染药物中的用途。本发明通过亲和垂钓及活性导向分离获得3种化合物，证实该类化合物可以直接地与跨膜丝氨酸蛋白酶2结合，KD<13μM，且能够显著抑制跨膜丝氨酸蛋白酶2的催化活性。在细胞水平上可以有效的抑制新型冠状病毒SARS‑CoV‑2假病毒入侵，表明该类化合物对于制备治疗和/或预防病毒感染药物具有非常积极的作用。化合物1 化合物2 化合物3。 - link

• PROLIPOSOMAL DRY POWDER INHALER OF REMDESIVIR - The present invention is related to Proliposomal Dry Powder Inhaler of Remdesivir and its method thereof for the treatment of viral infections such Coronaviridae (including COVID-19 infection). - link