Covid-19 Sentry

Contents

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

From Preprints

• Comparison of Perceived Covid-19 Related Mental Health Stress in SMI and Non-SMI Psychiatric Populations -
  The purpose of the present study was to investigate differences in perceived COVID-19 associated mental health- related stress in individuals with psychiatric diagnoses at opposite ends of the DSM diagnostic severity spectrum. The opposite poles of the spectrum were represented by Adjustment Disorder (AjD) at one end and disorders categorized as Serious Mental Illness (SMI) at the other. The study hypothesized that persons with SMI disorders are more likely to report their mental health negatively affected by COVID-19 stress compared to individuals with non-SMI disorders. An observational, cross-sectional model was used to collect data from client intake forms completed between April 2020 and December 2020. Participants were 25 male and 23 female U.S. citizens (mean age = 32.9) diagnosed with either SMI or Adjustment Disorder. COVID-related mental health stress was measured by answering ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the following question: “Do you feel that your mental health is being negatively impacted (for the worse) by the life-changes, hardships, and stress being caused by the current coronavirus outbreak?” A Pearson chi-square analysis was used to compare the two groups. Results indicated that individuals diagnosed with SMI disorders were significantly more likely to report their mental health negatively affected by COVID-related stress compared to individuals diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder (SMI 74% vs. AdJ 19%, p<.001). In this study, individuals with a pre-existing SMI disorder are almost four times (Risk Ratio: 3.89) more likely to be adversely affected by perceived stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic than individuals diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder. No significant differences were found between the two diagnostic groups on sociodemographic characteristics (gender/age/ethnicity). These findings suggest that the mental health of individuals diagnosed with SMI may be considerably more negatively impacted by current COVID-19 related stress and therefore require greater clinical attention compared to those diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder and other non-SMI diagnoses.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Comparison of Perceived Covid-19 Related Mental Health Stress in SMI and Non-SMI Psychiatric Populations
• A Wastewater-Based Epidemic Model for SARS-CoV-2 with Application to Three Canadian Cities -

  The COVID-19 pandemic has stimulated wastewater-based surveillance, allowing public health to track the epidemic by monitoring the concentration of the genetic fingerprints of SARS-CoV-2 shed in wastewater by infected individuals. Wastewater-based surveillance for COVID-19 is still in its infancy. In particular, the quantitative link between clinical cases observed through traditional surveillance and the signals from viral concentrations in wastewater is still developing and hampers interpretation of the data and actionable public-health decisions. We present a modelling framework that includes both SARS-CoV-2 transmission at the population level and the fate of SARS-CoV-2 RNA particles in the sewage system after faecal shedding by infected persons in the population. Using our mechanistic representation of the combined clinical/wastewater system, we perform exploratory simulations to quantify the effect of surveillance effectiveness, public-health interventions and vaccination on the discordance between clinical and wastewater signals. We also apply our model to surveillance data from three Canadian cities to provide wastewater-informed estimates for the actual prevalence, the effective reproduction number and incidence forecasts. We find that wastewater-based surveillance, paired with this model, can complement clinical surveillance by supporting the estimation of key epidemiological metrics and hence better triangulate the state of an epidemic using this alternative data source.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: A Wastewater-Based Epidemic Model for SARS-CoV-2 with Application to Three Canadian Cities
• Willingness to receive vaccination against COVID-19: results from a large nationally representative Australian population survey -

  We surveyed 10,024 Australians regarding COVID-19 vaccine willingness. Overall, 59.9% indicated yes, 13.9% no and 26.3% unsure/dont know. Vaccine willingness was higher in males, and increased with increasing education and socioeconomic advantage. Results contrast with earlier, smaller Australian surveys regarding vaccination willingness and confirm the need for targeted vaccination information.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Willingness to receive vaccination against COVID-19: results from a large nationally representative Australian population survey
• Proton pump inhibitor use is not associated with severe COVID-19 related outcomes: A propensity score weighted analysis of a national veteran cohort -

  Background and Aims: Low pH deactivates most pathogens, including coronaviruses. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are potent gastric acid suppressing medications. Whether PPI use vs non-use is associated with severe Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outcomes remains uncertain. We aimed to compare severe COVID-19 outcomes between current outpatient PPI users and non-users. Methods: We conducted a retrospective propensity score-weighted analysis of a national cohort of US veterans with established care who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) through January 9, 2021, and who had 60 days of follow-up. The positive test date was the index date. Current outpatient PPI use up to and including the index date (primary exposure) was compared to non-use, defined as no PPI prescription fill in the 365 days prior to the index date. The primary outcome was a composite of use of mechanical ventilation or death within 60 days. Weighted logistic regression models evaluated severe COVID-19 outcomes between current PPI users vs non-users. Results: Of 97,674 Veterans with SARS-CoV-2 testing, 14,958 tested positive (6262 [41.9%] current PPI users, 8696 [58.1%] non-users) and comprised the analytic cohort. After weighting, all covariates were well-balanced. In the weighted cohort, there was no difference in the primary composite outcome (8.2% vs 8.0%; OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.91-1.16), secondary composite outcome, nor individual component outcomes between current PPI users and non-users. There was no significant interaction between age and PPI use on outcomes. Conclusion: Among patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, current PPI use vs non-use is not associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Proton pump inhibitor use is not associated with severe COVID-19 related outcomes: A propensity score weighted analysis of a national veteran cohort
• Impact of SARS-CoV-2 variant on the severity of maternal infection and perinatal outcomes: Data from the UK Obstetric Surveillance System national cohort. -

  Background In the UK, the Alpha variant of SARS-CoV-2 became dominant in late 2020, rapidly succeeded by the Delta variant in May 2021. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of these variants on severity of maternal infection and perinatal outcomes within the time-periods in which they predominated. Methods This national, prospective cohort study collated data on hospitalised pregnant women with symptoms of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and compared the severity of infection and perinatal outcomes across the Wildtype (01/03/20-30/11/20), Alpha (01/12/20-15/05/21) and Delta dominant periods (16/05/21-11/07/21), using multivariable logistic regression. Findings Of 3371 pregnant women, the proportion that experienced moderate to severe infection significantly increased between Wildtype and Alpha periods (24.4% vs. 35.8%; aOR1.75 95%CI 1.48-2.06), and between Alpha and Delta periods (35.8% vs. 45.0%; aOR1.53, 95%CI 1.07-2.17). Compared to the Wildtype period, symptomatic women admitted in the Alpha period were more likely to require respiratory support (27.2% vs. 20.3%, aOR1.39, 95%CI 1.13-1.78), have pneumonia (27.5% vs. 19.1%, aOR1.65, 95%CI 1.38-1.98) and be admitted to intensive care (11.3% vs. 7.7%, aOR1.61, 95%CI 1.24-2.10). Women admitted during the Delta period had further increased risk of pneumonia (36.8% vs. 27.5%, aOR1.64 95%CI 1.14-2.35). No fully vaccinated pregnant women were admitted between 01/02/2021 when vaccination data collection commenced and 11/07/2021. The proportion of women receiving pharmacological therapies for SARS-CoV-2 management was low, even in those critically ill.  Interpretation SARS-CoV-2 infection during Alpha and Delta dominant periods was associated with more severe infection and worse pregnancy outcomes compared to the Wildtype infection, which itself increased risk compared to women without SARS-CoV-2 infection.1 Clinicians need to be aware and implement COVID-specific therapies in keeping with national guidance. Urgent action to tackle vaccine misinformation and policy change to prioritise uptake in pregnancy is essential. Funding National Institute for Health Research HS&DR Programme (11/46/12).

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Impact of SARS-CoV-2 variant on the severity of maternal infection and perinatal outcomes: Data from the UK Obstetric Surveillance System national cohort.
• Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Material in Wastewater -

  SARS-CoV-2 genetic material has been detected in raw wastewater around the world throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and has served as a useful tool for monitoring community levels of SARS-CoV-2 infections. SARS-CoV-2 genetic material is highly detectable in a patient feces and the household wastewater for several days before and after a positive COVID-19 qPCR test from throat or sputum samples. Here, we characterize genetic material collected from raw wastewater samples and determine recovery efficiency during a concentration process. We find that pasteurization of raw wastewater samples did not reduce SARS-CoV-2 signal if RNA is extracted immediately after pasteurization. On the contrary, we find that signal decreased by approximately half when RNA was extracted 24-36 hours post-pasteurization and ~90% when freeze-thawed prior to concentration. As a matrix control, we use an engineered enveloped RNA virus. Surprisingly, after concentration, the recovery of SARS-CoV-2 signal is consistently higher than the recovery of the control virus leading us to question the nature of the SARS-CoV-2 genetic material detected in wastewater. We see no significant difference in signal after different 24-hour temperature changes; however, treatment with detergent decreases signal ~100-fold. Furthermore, the density of the samples is comparable to enveloped retrovirus particles, yet, interestingly, when raw wastewater samples were used to inoculate cells, no cytopathic effects were seen indicating that wastewater samples do not contain infectious SARS-CoV-2. Together, this suggests that wastewater contains fully intact enveloped particles.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Material in Wastewater
• Prevention and Control of Acute Respiratory Viral Infections in Adult Population: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis on Ginseng-Based Clinical Trials. -

  Introduction: Acute respiratory infections are continuously emerging. Discovered in Wuhan city, China in 2019, COV-SARS-2 and most viral respiratory diseases presently do not have a definitive cure. This paper aims to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of ginseng for the prevention and control of acute respiratory illness including SARS-COV-2 in the adult population. Method: We performed a systematic literature review using databases PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane library from 1st through the 27th of April 2020. All related articles that reported the use of Ginseng in COVID-19 patients were included in this analysis. The screening was done by 2-independent researchers. The meta-analysis was performed using a comprehensive meta-analysis package. Result: 596 articles were retrieved for the time frame. After screening, 5 articles with RCTs outcomes relevant to the review were selected. Ginseng was found to be effective in the reduction of risk by 38 % and 3-days shorter duration of acute respiratory illness (ARI) in all trials than placebo. Conclusion: As the world continues to race to find a cure, it is important to consider the use of ginseng which has been proven over the years to be effective in the treatment of acute respiratory illnesses. Further studies should however be conducted to determine the right dosage to improve efficacy and prevent adverse events.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Prevention and Control of Acute Respiratory Viral Infections in Adult Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Ginseng-Based Clinical Trials.
• The Concept of Social Justice from the Perspective of University Students -
  The aim of this study is to reveal how university students conceptualize their perceptions of social justice. 393 university students were included as the sample of the research. An interview form was sent to the students online. The content analysis technique was used in the analysis of the data. As results, it was stated that every student is equal, opportunities are provided equally, there is no discrimination, social activities are equally benefited, every student is given the same rights, interests and needs are cared for, and every student is treated fairly. They expressed as the most unjust incidents are “necessity of distance education due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” “getting unworthy points,” “discrimination,” “lack of justice in scoring,” “unfair scholarship distribution” and “no course exemption.” In addition, since it is not in the literature, a scale can be developed regarding the social justice perception levels of students studying in higher education.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: The Concept of Social Justice from the Perspective of University Students
• Spatiality of COVID-19 Infections in Ahmedabad: An Early Period Analysis -
  The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), that has gripped the world since December 2019 and declared a pandemic has infected about 4.8 million people in India and counting. This pandemic is urban-centric globally and in India in the earlier stages. In this paper we argue that the virus’s spread in India has multiple routes, the housing conditions, socio-economic characteristics as well as the epidemiology route that influences the management of the infection contrary to attributing the spread geography to only vulnerable areas. Selecting Ahmedabad, a city that register higher number of infections in the early period, this paper attempt to understand the pattern of infection spread and explain these using recorded infections from March 17, 2020 to June 10, 2020 period.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Spatiality of COVID-19 Infections in Ahmedabad: An Early Period Analysis
• Using Twitter to Track Immigration Sentiment During Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic -
  In 2020, the world faced an unprecedented challenge to tackle and understand the spread and impacts of COVID- 19. Large-scale coordinated efforts have been dedicated to understand the global health and economic implications of the pandemic. Yet, the rapid spread of discrimination and xenophobia against specific populations, particularly migrants and individuals of Asian descent, has largely been neglected. Understanding public attitudes towards migration is essential to counter discrimination against immigrants and promote social cohesion. Traditional data sources to monitor public opinion – ethnographies, interviews, and surveys – are often limited due to small samples, high cost, low temporal frequency, slow collection, release and coarse spatial resolution. New forms of data, particularly from social media, can help overcome these limitations. While some bias exists, social media data are produced at an unprecedented temporal frequency, geographical granularity, are collected globally and accessible in real-time. Drawing on a data set of 30.39 million tweets and natural language processing, this paper aims to measure shifts in public sentiment opinion about migration during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. Results show an increase of migration-related Tweets along with COVID-19 cases during national lockdowns in all five countries. Yet, we found no evidence of a significant increase in anti-immigration sentiment, as rises in the volume of negative messages are offset by comparable increases in positive messages. Additionally, we presented evidence of growing social polarisation concerning migration, showing high concentrations of strongly positive and strongly negative sentiments.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Using Twitter to Track Immigration Sentiment During Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic
• The Origins of the Second Wave of COVID-19 in India - a Model-based investigation -
  Background. After months of declining or steady rates of daily COVID-19 cases, in April 2021 India experienced the onset of a massive second wave of the epidemic which overstressed its healthcare facilities and caused lakhs of casualties. During the wave, the reproduction number R in some places was 1·8 or greater. The origins of this wave are at best partially understood. Socioeconomic activities had been running at a relatively high level for several months prior to the wave, and there was no relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) in the immediately preceding days. A causal connection between the second wave and organized gatherings such as election activities, religious festivals and farmers’ protests is impossible to establish due to absence of spatio-temporal correlation. Analysis of genomic sequencing data suggests that the emergence of the double mutant B1.617 and its sub-lineages cannot be the sole cause of the wave as well. Methods and results. In a companion study [1] we have constructed a mathematical model for COVID-19 transmission which accounts for heterogeneity in people’s interaction patterns. This model yields two phenomena of concern which are outside the purview of classical infectious disease dynamical understanding. These phenomena are • cryptogenic instability in which relatively small-scale social gatherings such as marriage functions and birthday parties play a disproportionately high role in driving spread, and • critical mass effect in which very low case counts result in a temporary and artificial suppression of an existing instability. Principal findings. We believe that the above two phenomena are primarily responsible for the suddenness and severity of the second wave of COVID-19 in India. Complacency prevailing in early 2021 and emergence of mutant strain are not root causes of the wave but contributory factors to disease burden. The origins of the wave are complex and multifactorial, being largely governed by infectious disease dynamics which were unknown at the time of its onset. The lessons learned from the experience must be used to guide future course of NPI, not just in India but in other countries as well until significant fractions of their respective populations have been vaccinated.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: The Origins of the Second Wave of COVID-19 in India - a Model-based investigation
• Simplified point-of-care full SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing using nanopore technology -

  Background: The scale of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic warrants the urgent establishment of a global decentralized surveillance system to recognize local outbreaks and the emergence of novel variants-of-concern. Among available deep-sequencing technologies, nanopore-sequencing could be an important cornerstone, since it is mobile, scalable and costs-effective. Therefore, streamlined nanopore-sequencing protocols need to be developed and optimized for SARS-CoV-2 variants identification. Results: We adapted and simplified existing workflows using the midnight 1,200 bp amplicon split primer sets for PCR, which produce tiled overlapping amplicons covering almost the entire SARS- CoV-2 genome. Subsequently, we applied Oxford Nanopore Rapid Barcoding and the portable MinION Mk1C sequencer combined with the interARTIC bioinformatics pipeline. We tested a simplified and less time-consuming workflow using SARS- CoV-2-positive specimens from clinical routine and identified pre-analytical parameters, which may help to decrease sequencing failures rates. Complete pipeline duration was approx. 7 hrs for one specimen and approx. 11 hrs for 12 multiplexed barcoded specimens. Conclusions: The adapted protocol contains less processing steps and can be completely conducted within one working-day. Diagnostic CT values are principal criteria for specimen selection.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Simplified point-of-care full SARS- CoV-2 genome sequencing using nanopore technology
• Modelling the effect of a border closure between Switzerland and Italy on the spatiotemporal spread of COVID-19 in Switzerland -

  We present an approach to extend the Endemic-Epidemic (EE) modelling framework for the analysis of infectious disease data. In its spatiotemporal application, spatial dependencies have originally been captured by a power law applied to static neighbourhood matrices. We propose to adjust these weight matrices over time to reflect changes in spatial connectivity between geographical units. We illustrate this extension by modelling the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) between Swiss and bordering Italian regions in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We adjust the spatial weights with data describing the daily changes in population mobility patterns, and indicators of border closures describing the state of travel restrictions since the beginning of the pandemic. We use these time- dependent weights to fit an EE model to the region-stratified time series of new COVID-19 cases. We then adjust the weight matrices to reflect two counterfactual scenarios of border closures and draw counterfactual predictions based on these, to retrospectively assess the usefulness of border closures. We observed that predictions based on a scenario where no closure of the Swiss-Italian border occurred, yielded double the number of cumulative cases over the study period. Conversely, a closure of the Swiss-Italian border two weeks earlier than implemented, would have only marginally reduced the number of cases and merely delayed the epidemic spread by a couple weeks. Despite limitations in the current study, we believe it provides useful insight into modelling the effect of epidemic countermeasures on the spatiotemporal spread of COVID-19.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Modelling the effect of a border closure between Switzerland and Italy on the spatiotemporal spread of COVID-19 in Switzerland
• Parenting During COVID-19: A Sentiment Analysis of Reddit Data -
  The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant disruption and disturbance in the lives of individuals across the globe. Especially during the early parts of the pandemic, parents took on increased caregiving responsibilities with little to no guidance from federal organizations. Further, economic strain made it difficult for parents meet their children’s physical and emotional needs. Much of the research that has examined parenting during COVID-19 has stemmed from survey data. However, self-presentation biases may prevent survey researchers from obtaining authentic and accurate experiences from parents. Therefore, this study examined parents’ sentiment and emotional wellbeing during COVID-19 using Reddit data—specifically, posts from the Mommit and Daddit subreddits. Data were scraped using Python, and analyzed in R. Sentiment analysis was conducted using the NRC Word-Emotion Association Lexicon (i.e., EmoLex). Results suggested mothers and fathers were less trusting and angrier in late-summer 2020 compared to 2019. Additionally, mothers were more negative in March 2020 compared to March 2019, and mothers’ anticipation increased from March 2020-April 2020 (which did not occur in 2019). This suggests mothers in particular may have experienced initial distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research should continue to monitor the emotional wellbeing of parents as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Parenting During COVID-19: A Sentiment Analysis of Reddit Data
• Variant-driven multi-wave pattern of COVID-19 via Machine Learning clustering of spike protein mutations -

  Never before such a vast amount of data has been collected for any viral pandemic than for the current case of COVID-19. This offers the possibility to answer a number of highly relevant questions, regarding the evolution of the virus and the role mutations play in its spread among the population. We focus on spike proteins, as they bear the main responsibility for the effectiveness of the virus diffusion by controlling the interactions with the host cells. Using the available temporal structure of the sequencing data for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in the UK, we demonstrate that every wave of the pandemic is dominated by a different variant. Consequently, the time evolution of each variant follows a temporal structure encoded in the epidemiological Renormalisation Group approach to compartmental models. Machine learning is the tool of choice to determine the variants at play, independent of (but complementary to) the virological classification. Our Machine Learning algorithm on spike protein sequencing provides a simple and unbiased way to identify, classify and track relevant virus variants without any prior knowledge of their characteristics. Hence, we propose a new tool that can help preventing and forecasting the emergence of new waves, and that can be used by decision makers to define short and long term strategies to curb the current COVID-19 pandemic or future ones.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Variant-driven multi-wave pattern of COVID-19 via Machine Learning clustering of spike protein mutations

From Clinical Trials

• A Study of PF-07321332/Ritonavir in Nonhospitalized High Risk Adult Participants With COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: PF-07321332;   Drug: Ritonavir;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsor:   Pfizer
  Not yet recruiting

• Phase II/III Study of AZD2816, for the Prevention of COVID-19 in Adults - Conditions:   COVID-19;   SARS-CoV-2
  Interventions:   Biological: AZD1222;   Biological: AZD2816
  Sponsor:   AstraZeneca
  Recruiting

• Building Resiliency and Vital Equity (BRAVE) Project: Understanding Native Americans’ Perceptions/Beliefs About COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Study - Condition:   Covid19 Virus Infection
  Intervention:   Behavioral: Protect Your Elders Campaign
  Sponsors:   North Carolina Central University;   Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina;   University of North Carolina at Pembroke
  Recruiting

• Effects of Respiratory Muscle Training in Patients With Post COVID-19 - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Other: Exercise training group;   Other: Control training group
  Sponsor:   Gazi University
  Completed

• Vaccination for Recovered Inpatients With COVID-19 (VATICO) - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Biological: Moderna mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine;   Biological: Pfizer BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine
  Sponsors:   International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials (INSIGHT);   University of Minnesota;   National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID);   University of Copenhagen;   Kirby Institute;   Washington D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center;   AIDS Clinical Trials Group;   National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI);   US Department of Veterans Affairs;   Prevention and Early Treatment of Acute Lung Injury (PETAL);   Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network (CTSN);   Medical Research Council
  Not yet recruiting

• Internet-based Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation for Longterm COVID-19 Syndrome - Condition:   Long COVID-19
  Intervention:   Behavioral: Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation
  Sponsors:   Danderyd Hospital;   St Göran Hospital, Stockholm
  Recruiting

• Enabling Family Physicians to Reduce Vaccine Hesitancy and Increase Covid-19 Vaccine Uptake - Conditions:   Covid19;   COVID-19 Vaccine
  Interventions:  
  Behavioral: Tailored COVID-19 vaccine messages;   Other: Other health messages
  Sponsors:  
  Hopital Montfort;   Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC);   Eastern Ontario Health Unit
  Not yet recruiting

• COVID-19 and Lung Ultrasound Utility - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Device: Device: Butterfly iQ
  Sponsor:  
  Rocket Doctor Inc.
  Recruiting

• Saliva-based COVID-19 DNA Aptamer Test - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Device: AptameX
  Sponsors:   Achiko AG;   Udayana University
  Recruiting

• Reconditioning Exercise for COVID-19 Patients Experiencing Residual sYmptoms - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Other: Exercise Therapy
  Sponsor:  
  Wake Forest University Health Sciences
  Not yet recruiting

• Lipid Emulsion Infusion and COVID-19 Patients - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Drug: SMOFlipid;   Other: 0.9% saline
  Sponsor:   Assiut University
  Recruiting

• Baricitinib in Hospitalized Covid-19 Patients With Diabetes Mellitus - Condition:   COVID-19 Pneumonia
  Interventions:   Drug: Baricitinib;   Drug: Dexamethasone;   Drug: Remdesivir
  Sponsor:   Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
  Recruiting

• Evaluation of the RD-X19 Treatment Device in Individuals With Mild to Moderate COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID19
  Interventions:   Device: RD-X19;   Device: Sham
  Sponsor:  
  EmitBio Inc.
  Recruiting

• Evaluation of The Efficacy of Triazavirin Versus Oseltamivir in Egyptian Patients Infected With COVID-19 - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Drug: standard treatment COVID-19 + Triazavirin
  Sponsor:   Ain Shams University
  Recruiting

• Coenzyme Q10 as Treatment for Long Term COVID-19 - Conditions:   Covid19;   Long Term Covid19
  Interventions:   Drug: Coenzyme Q10;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsors:   Aarhus University Hospital;   University of Aarhus;   Pharma Nord
  Recruiting

From PubMed

• Repurposing nonnucleoside antivirals against SARS-CoV2 NSP12 (RNA dependent RNA polymerase): In silico-molecular insight - The pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 has necessitated expedited research efforts towards finding potential antiviral targets and drug development measures. While new drug discovery is time consuming, drug repurposing has been a promising area for elaborate virtual screening and identification of existing FDA approved drugs that could possibly be used for targeting against functions of various proteins of SARS-CoV-2 virus. RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is an important enzyme for the virus that…

• Sulfated polysaccharides effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 in vitro - No abstract

• Synthesis, Biological and In Silico Studies of a Tripodal Schiff Base Derived from 2,4,6-Triamino-1,3,5-triazine and Its Trinuclear Dy(III), Er(III), and Gd(III) Salen Capped Complexes - A tripodal Schiff base ligand, 2,4,6-Tris(4-carboxybenzimino)-1,3,5-triazine (MT) and its trinuclear Dy(III), Er(III), and Gd(III) complexes were synthesized. These were characterized using UV-visible, IR, ¹H, and ^(13)C NMR spectroscopies, elemental analysis, and molar conductivity measurements. The spectral studies indicate that the ligand is hexadentate and coordinates to the Ln(III) ions through the oxygen atoms of the carboxylic group. The trinuclear complexes were characterized as being…

• Epigenetic and transcriptional control of interferon-β - The three classes of interferons (IFNs) share the ability to inhibit viral replication, activating cell transcriptional programs that regulate both innate and adaptive responses to viral and intracellular bacterial challenge. Due to their unique potency in regulating viral replication, and their association with numerous autoimmune diseases, the tightly orchestrated transcriptional regulation of IFNs has long been a subject of intense investigation. The protective role of early robust IFN…

• Discovery of SARS-CoV-2-E channel inhibitors as antiviral candidates - Lack of efficiency has been a major problem shared by all currently developed anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapies. Our previous study shows that SARS-CoV-2 structural envelope (2-E) protein forms a type of cation channel, and heterogeneously expression of 2-E channels causes host cell death. In this study we developed a cell-based high throughput screening (HTS) assay and used it to discover inhibitors against 2-E channels. Among 4376 compounds tested, 34 hits with cell protection activity were found….

• Inhalable nanocatchers for SARS-CoV-2 inhibition - The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-like coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), presents an urgent health crisis. More recently, an increasing number of mutated strains of SARS-CoV-2 have been identified globally. Such mutations, especially those on the spike glycoprotein to render its higher binding affinity to human angiotensin-converting enzyme II (hACE2) receptors, not only resulted in higher transmission of SARS-CoV-2 but also…

• Identification of novel inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M(pro) ) from Withania sp. by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation - Since December 2019, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has claimed the lives of millions of people across the globe. To date, no medicine is available for the responsible virus SARS-CoV-2. 3CLpro, that is, 3-chymotrypsin-like protease, the main protease (M^(pro) ), has an important role in cleaving pp1a and pp1ab polyproteins. This M^(pro) serves as an important target in drug designing against COVID-19. Herein, the study includes the investigation, screening, and identification of potent leads…

• Water-soluble tocopherol derivatives inhibit SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase - The recent emergence of a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has led to the global pandemic of the severe disease COVID-19 in humans. While efforts to quickly identify effective antiviral therapies have focused largely on repurposing existing drugs ^(1-4) , the current standard of care, remdesivir, remains the only authorized antiviral intervention of COVID-19 and provides only modest clinical benefits ⁵ . Here we show that water-soluble derivatives of α-tocopherol have potent antiviral activity and…

• The Role of Micronutrient and Immunomodulation effect in the vaccine era of COVID-19 - Different dietary nutrients have distinct effects, including enhancing immune response activity and supporting mucous membrane integrity. These effects are critical in fighting against pathogenic agents, which cover COVID-19, the coronavirus disease that shuts down globally. Recent researches have shown that micronutrient deficiency is commonly associated with compromised immune responses, respiratory tract infections, or even susceptibility to COVID-19. The relationship between Vit A and…

• Structure-Based Discovery of Novel Nonpeptide Inhibitors Targeting SARS-CoV-2 M(pro) - The continual spread of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), posing a severe threat to the health worldwide. The main protease (M^(pro), alias 3CL^(pro)) of SARS-CoV-2 is a crucial enzyme for the maturation of viral particles and is a very attractive target for designing drugs to treat COVID-19. Here, we propose a multiple conformation-based virtual screening strategy to discover inhibitors that can target SARS-CoV-2…

• Lentil lectin derived from Lens culinaris exhibit broad antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2 variants - The spike (S) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutated continuously and newly emerging variants escape from antibody-mediated neutralization raised great concern. S protein is heavily glycosylated and the glycosylation sites are relatively conserved, thus glycans on S protein surface could be a target for development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 strategies against variants. Here, we collected twelve plant-derived lectins with different carbohydrate specificity and…

• SARS-CoV-2 M(pro) inhibition by a zinc ion: structural features and hints for drug design - Structural data on the SARS-CoV-2 main protease in complex with a zinc-containing organic inhibitor are already present in the literature and gave hints on the presence of a zinc binding site involving the catalytically relevant cysteine and histidine residues. In this paper, the structural basis of ionic zinc binding to the SARS-CoV-2 main protease has been elucidated by X-ray crystallography. The zinc binding affinity and its ability to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease have been…

• High Dose Lopinavir/Ritonavir Does Not Lead to Sufficient Plasma Levels to Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 - Background: Despite lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/RTV) demonstrating in-vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2, large trials failed to show any net clinical benefit. Since SARS-CoV-2 has an EC50 of 16.4 μg/ml for LPV this could be due to inadequate dosing. Methods: COVID-19 positive patients admitted to the hospital who received high dose LPV/RTV were included. High dose (HD) LPV/RTV 200/50 mg was defined as four tablets bid as loading dose, then three tablets bid for up to 10 days. Trough plasma…

• Identification of potential plant bioactive as SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and human ACE2 fusion inhibitors - The Spike receptor binding domain (S-RBD) from SARS-CoV-2, a crucial protein for the entrance of the virus into target cells is known to cause infection by binding to a cell surface protein. Hence, reckoning therapeutics for the S-RBD of SARS-CoV-2 may address a significant way to target viral entry into the host cells. Herein, through in-silico approaches (Molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and end-state thermodynamics), we aimed to screen natural molecules from different…

• Cell therapy in patients with COVID-19 using Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells: a phase 1 clinical trial - CONCLUSIONS: In patients, the trend of tests was generally improving, and we experienced a reduction in inflammation. No serious complications were observed in patients except the headache in one of them, which was resolved without medication. In this study, we found that patients with severe COVID-19 in the inflammatory phase respond better to cell therapy. More extensive clinical trials should be performed in this regard.

From Patent Search

• A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COVID- 19 DIAGNOSIS USING DETECTION RESULTS FROM CHEST X- RAY IMAGES - - link

• Advanced Machine Learning System combating COVID-19 virus Detection, Spread, Prevention and Medical Assistance. - - link

• Differential detection kit for common SARS-CoV-2 variants in COVID-19 patients - - link

• 一种新型冠状病毒的mRNA疫苗 - 本发明公开了一种新型冠状病毒的mRNA疫苗。本发明提供的疫苗，其活性成分为mRNA，如序列表的序列6所示。本发明还保护TF‑RBD蛋白，如序列表的序列2所示。本发明的发明人通过一系列序列设计和序列优化得到了特异DNA分子，进一步构建了特异重组质粒，将特异重组质粒进行体外转录，可以得到多聚化TF‑RBD mRNA。进一步的，发明人制备了负载TF‑RBD mRNA的脂质纳米粒。本发明对于新型冠状病毒的防控具有重大的应用推广价值。 - link

• 新型冠状病毒B．1．1．7英国突变株RBD的基因及其应用 - 本发明属于生物技术领域，具体涉及新型冠状病毒B．1．1．7英国突变株RBD的基因及其应用。本发明的新型冠状病毒B．1．1．7英国突变株RBD的基因，其核苷酸序列如SEQ ID NO.1或SEQ ID NO.6所示。本发明通过优化野生型新型冠状病毒B．1．1．7英国突变株RBD的基因序列，并结合筛选确定了相对最佳序列，优化后序列产生的克隆表达效率比野生型新型冠状病毒B．1．1．7英国突变株RBD序列表达效率大幅提高，从而，本发明的新型冠状病毒B．1．1．7英国突变株RBD的基因更有利于用于制备新型冠状病毒疫苗。 - link

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

• 一种基于联邦学习的多用户协同训练人流统计方法及系统 - 本发明提供一种基于联邦学习的多用户协同训练人流统计方法，旨在利用联邦学习框架搭建一个新颖的人群计数模型，达到让多用户多设备同时训练的目的。各个客户端利用图像数据集对图像分类网络进行本地训练以获取本地模型；在各经过至少一次本地训练后，中心服务器从客户端获取本地模型的权值及附加层参数并进行聚合处理；中心服务器利用聚合处理后的权值及附加层参数更新全局模型，并将聚合处理后的权值参数及附加层参数返回给各个客户端；各个客户端利用中心服务器返回的权值以及ground truth值进行贝叶斯估计，计算loss值，并利用返回的权值参数及附加层参数更新本地模型；重复执行直至所有客户端的loss值均收敛，则完成人流统计全局模型和本地模型的训练。 - link

• A POLYHERBAL ALCOHOL FREE FORMULATION FOR ORAL CAVITY - The present invention generally relates to a herbal composition. Specifically, the present invention relates to a polyherbal alcohol free composition comprising of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract, Elettaria cardamomum fruit extract, Mentha spicata (Spearmint) oil and Tween 80 and method of preparation thereof. The polyherbal alcohol free composition of the present invention possesses excellent antimicrobial properties and useful for oral cavity. - link

• 新型冠状病毒B.1.351南非突变株RBD的基因及其应用 - 本发明属于生物技术领域，具体涉及新型冠状病毒B.1.351南非突变株RBD的基因及其应用。本发明的新型冠状病毒B.1.351南非突变株RBD的基因，其核苷酸序列如SEQIDNO.1或SEQIDNO.6所示。本发明通过优化野生型新型冠状病毒南非B.1.351南非突变株RBD的基因序列，并结合筛选确定了相对最佳序列，优化后序列产生的克隆表达效率比野生型新型冠状病毒B.1.351南非突变株RBD序列表达效率大幅提高，从而，本发明的新型冠状病毒B.1.351南非突变株RBD的基因可以用于制备新型冠状病毒疫苗。 - link

• 检测新型冠状病毒中和抗体的试剂盒及其应用 - 本发明涉及生物技术领域，具体而言，提供了一种检测新型冠状病毒中和抗体的试剂盒及其应用。本发明提供的检测新型冠状病毒中和抗体试剂盒，具体包括（a）或（b）两种方案：（a）示踪物标记的RBD三聚体抗原，包被在固体支持物上的ACE2，以及，含有0.2‑10mg/mL十二烷基二甲基甜菜碱的工作液；（b）示踪物标记的ACE2，包被在固体支持物上的RBD三聚体抗原，以及，含有0.2‑10mg/mL十二烷基二甲基甜菜碱的工作液；其中，RBD三聚体抗原利用二硫键将刺突蛋白的RBD与S2亚基完全交联得到。十二烷基二甲基甜菜碱会显著提高RBD三聚体抗原与新冠中和性抗体结合速度，提升阳性样本平均发光强度，缩短检测时间。 - link