Background Performances of rapid antigen diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) with nasal self-sampling, and oropharyngeal plus nasal (OP-N) self-sampling, in the Omicron period are unknown. Methods Prospective diagnostic accuracy study among 6,497 symptomatic individuals aged ≥16 years presenting for SARS-CoV-2 testing at three test-sites. Participants were sampled for RT-PCR (reference test) and received one Ag-RDT to perform unsupervised with either nasal self-sampling (during the emergence of Omicron, and after Omicron share was >90%, phase-1) or with OP-N self-sampling (in a subsequent phase-2; Omicron share >99%). The evaluated tests were Acon Flowflex (Flowflex; phase-1 only), MP Biomedicals (MPBio), and Siemens-Healthineers Clinitest (Clinitest). Findings During phase-1, 45% of Flowflex, 29% of MPBio, and 35% of Clinitest participants were confirmatory testers (previously tested positive by a self-test at own initiative). Overall sensitivities with nasal self-sampling were 79.0% (95% CI: 74.7-82.8%) for Flowflex, 69.9% (65.1-74.4%) for MPBio, and 70.2% (65.6-74.5%) for Clinitest. Sensitivities were substantially higher in confirmatory testers (93.6%, 83.6%, and 85.7%, respectively) than in those who tested for other reasons (52.4%, 51.5%, and 49.5%, respectively). Sensitivities decreased by 6.1 (p=0.16 by Chi-square test), 7.0 (p=0.60), and 12.8 (p=0.025) percentage points, respectively, when transitioning from 29% to >95% Omicron. During phase-2, 53% of MPBio, and 44% of Clinitest participants were confirmatory testers. Overall sensitivities with OP-N self-sampling were 83.0% (78.8%-86.7%) for MPBio and 77.3% (72.9%-81.2%) for Clinitest. Comparing OP-N to nasal sampling, sensitivities were slightly higher in confirmatory testers (87.4% and 86.1%, respectively), and substantially higher in those testing for other reasons (69.3% and 59.9%, respectively). Interpretation Sensitivities of three Ag-RDTs with nasal self-sampling decreased during Omicron emergence but was only statistically significant for Clinitest. Sensitivities were substantially influenced by the proportion of confirmatory testers. Addition of oropharyngeal to nasal self-sampling improved sensitivities of MPBio and Clinitest. Funding Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport.
Background: As mortality from COVID-19 is strongly age-dependent, we aimed to identify population subgroups at an elevated risk for adverse outcomes from COVID-19 using age/gender-adjusted data from European cohort studies with the aim to identify populations that could potentially benefit from booster vaccinations. Methods: We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to investigate the role of underlying medical conditions as prognostic factors for adverse outcomes due to SARS-CoV-2, including death, hospitalisation, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, and mechanical ventilation within three separate settings (community, hospital and ICU). Cohort studies that reported at least age and gender-adjusted data from Europe were identified through a search of peer-reviewed articles published until 11th June 2021 in Ovid Medline and Embase. Results are presented as Odds Ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%C.I.) and absolute risk differences (RD) in deaths per 1,000 COVID-19 patients. Findings: We included 88 cohort studies with age/gender adjusted data from 6,653,207 SARS-CoV-2 patients from Europe. Hospital-based mortality was associated with high and moderate certainty evidence for solid organ tumours, diabetes mellitus, renal disease, arrhythmia, ischemic heart disease, liver disease, and obesity, while a higher risk, albeit with low certainty, was noted for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure. Community-based mortality was associated with a history of heart failure, stroke, diabetes, and end-stage renal disease. Evidence of high/moderate certainty revealed a strong association between hospitalisation for COVID-19 and solid organ transplant recipients, sleep apnoea, diabetes, stroke, and liver disease. Interpretation: The results confirmed the strong association between specific prognostic factors and mortality and hospital admission. Prioritisation of booster vaccinations and the implementation of non- pharmaceutical protective measures for these populations may contribute to a reduction in COVID-19 mortality, ICU and hospital admissions. Funding: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) under specific contract No. 10 ECD.11843 within Framework contract ECDC/2019/001 Lot 1B.
Objectives: The rapid spread of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) alongside evidence of a relatively rapid waning of the third dose prompted Israel to administer a fourth dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine on January 2022. Thus far, sufficient real-world evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of a fourth dose against infection and severe COVID-19 are lacking. This study examined the short-term effectiveness of a fourth dose compared to three doses over the span of 10 weeks. Design: A retrospective test-negative case-control study, performing both a matched analysis and an unmatched multiple-tests analysis. Setting: Nationally centralized database of Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS), an Israeli national health fund that covers 2.5 million people. Participants: The study population included 97,499 MHS members aged 60 or older who were eligible to receive a fourth vaccine dose and performed at least one PCR test during the study period. Of them, 27,876 received the fourth dose and 69,623 received only three doses. Main outcomes and measures: Analyses focused on the period from January 10, 2022 (7 days after the fourth dose was first administered to eligible individuals) to March 13, 2022, an Omicron-dominant period in Israel. We evaluated two SARS-CoV-2-related outcomes: (1) breakthrough infection, defined as a positive PCR test performed 7 or more days after inoculation with the BNT162b2 vaccine; and (2) breakthrough infection resulting in a severe disease, defined as COVID-19-related hospitalization or COVID-19 associated mortality. Results: A fourth dose provided considerable additional protection against both SARS- CoV-2 infection and severe disease relative to three doses of the vaccine. However, vaccine effectiveness against infection varied over time, peaking during the third week with a VE of 64% (95% CI: 62.0%-65.9%) and declining to 29.2% (95% CI: 17.7%-39.1%) by the end of the 10-week follow-up period. Unlike VE against infection, the relative effectiveness of a fourth dose against severe COVID-19 was maintained at high level (>73%) throughout the 9-week follow-up period. Importantly, severe disease was a relatively rare event, occurring in <1% of both fourth dose and third dose only recipients. Conclusions: A fourth dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine provided considerable additional protection against both SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe disease relative to three doses of the vaccine. However, effectiveness of the fourth dose against infection wanes sooner than that of the third dose.
Background Student residences are at high risk for rapid COVID-transmission due to crowding and frequent close contact. Aim We aimed to investigate the overall secondary attack rates (SAR) in student residences and to discern risk factors for higher transmission in order to improve the evidence base for screening efforts and preventive measures. Methods In this retrospective case-ascertained study, we analysed data from student residences screened in Leuven, Belgium between October 2020 and May 2021, following detection of a COVID-19 case in the residence. We investigated the impact on the SAR in the living units screened of delay-time until follow-up, shared use of kitchen or sanitary facilities, presence of an external infection source and occurrence of social gatherings attended by the index case. Results We included 200 residence units, representing 2326 screened residents, of which 68 units showed secondary transmission. The overall SAR was estimated at 0.0813 (95%CI 0.0705-0.0936). Both sharing sanitary facilities (p=0.04) and social gatherings attended by the index case (p=0.033) significantly impacted SAR, which increased from 3% to 13% when both risk factors were present compared to absent. Conclusions We identify risk factors which should be considered when selecting students for screening during an outbreak of COVID-19 in student residences to improve comprehensiveness and proportionality of testing. The identified risk factors improve the evidence base for preventive measures aimed at limiting social gatherings and improving ventilation of shared spaces in outbreak-prone settings. Lastly, they should be considered when designing student accommodation and other shared households.
The height of the epidemic peaks varied ten-fold, but the duration was almost constant independent of the peak height in the six times COVID-19 epidemics in Japan over the past two years. The observed relation between the peak height and duration contradicts the inverse proportionality, which is the essential conclusion derived from mathematical models for infectious diseases. We found that the peak height was inversely proportional to the number of rhinovirus patients. The literature has revealed the mechanism behind our found power of rhinovirus suppressing COVID-19. We discuss that the critical flaw of current mathematical models originates in the absence of the 0th power term of the number of infected people in the Kermack and McKendrick equation.
Background Higher viral loads in SARS-CoV-2 infections may be linked to more rapid spread of emerging Variants of Concern. Rapid detection and isolation of cases with highest viral loads, even in pre- or asymptomatic individuals, is essential for the mitigation of community outbreaks. Methods and Findings In this study, we analyze Ct values from 1297 SARS-CoV-2 positive patient saliva samples collected at the Clemson University testing lab in Upstate South Carolina. Samples were identified as positive using RT-qPCR, and clade information was determined via whole genome sequencing at nearby commercial labs. We also obtained patient-reported information on symptoms and exposures at the time of testing. The lowest Ct values were observed among those infected with Delta (median: 22.61, IQR: 16.72-28.51), followed by Alpha (23.93, 18.36-28.49), Gamma (24.74, 18.84-30.64), and the more historic clade 20G (25.21, 20.50-29.916). There was a statistically significant difference in Ct value between Delta and all other clades (all p.adj<0.01), as well as between Alpha and 20G (p.adj<0.05). Additionally, pre- or asymptomatic patients (n=1093) showed the same statistical differences between Delta and all other clades (all p.adj<0.01); however, symptomatic patients (n=167) did not show any significant differences between clades. Our weekly testing strategy ensures that cases are caught earlier in the infection cycle, often before symptoms are present, reducing this sample size in our population. Conclusions COVID-19 variants Alpha and Delta have substantially higher viral loads in saliva compared to more historic clades. This trend is especially observed in individuals who are pre- or asymptomatic, which provides evidence to the high transmissibility and rapid spread of emerging variants. Understanding the viral load of variants spreading within a community can inform public policy and clinical decision making.
Neutrophils are vital in defence against pathogens but excessive neutrophil activity can lead to tissue damage and promote acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). COVID-19 is associated with systemic expansion of immature neutrophils but the functional consequences of this shift to immaturity are not understood. We used flow cytometry to investigate activity and phenotypic diversity of circulating neutrophils in COVID-19. First, we demonstrate hyperactivation of immature CD10- subpopulations in severe disease, with elevated degranulation of secondary granule markers. Partially activated immature neutrophils are detectable three months post symptom onset, indication long term myeloid dysregulation in convalescent COVID-19 patients. Second, we demonstrate that neutrophils from moderately ill patients downregulate the chemokine receptor CXCR2, while neutrophils from severely ill individuals failed to do so, suggesting altered ability for organ trafficking. CD10- and CXCR2hi neutrophil subpopulations were enriched in severe disease and may represent biomarkers for early identification of individuals at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19.
Background: The impact of chronic health conditions (CHC) on serostatus post-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination is unknown. Methods: We assessed serostatus post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among fully vaccinated participants recruited between April 2021 through August 2021 in 18 years and older residents of Jefferson County, Kentucky, USA. Serostatus was determined by measuring SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G (Spike IgG) antibodies via enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) in peripheral blood samples. Results: Of the 5,178 fully vaccinated participants, 51 were seronegative and 5,127 were seropositive. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR=13.49; 95% CI: 4.88, 37.3; P<0.0001) and autoimmune disease (OR=11.34; 95% CI: 5.21, 24.69; P<0.0001) showed highest association with negative serostatus in fully vaccinated participants. The absence of any CHC was strongly associated with positive serostatus (OR=0.37; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.73; P=0.003). The risk of negative serostatus increased in the presence of two CHCs (OR=2.82; 95% CI: 1.14, 7) to three or more CHCs (OR=4.52; 95% CI: 1.68, 12.14). Similarly, use of 2 or more CHC related medications was significantly associated with seronegative status (OR=6.08; 95%: 2.01, 18.35). Conclusions: Presence of any CHC, especially CKD or autoimmune disease, increased the likelihood of seronegative status among individuals who were fully vaccinated to SAR-CoV-2. This risk increased with a concurrent increase in number of comorbidities, especially with multiple medications. Absence of any CHC was protective and increased the likelihood of a positive serological response post-vaccination. These results will help develop appropriate guidelines for booster doses and targeted vaccination programs.
Background: People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) are subject to distinct socio-structural inequalities that can expose them to high risks of COVID″19 transmission and related health and social complications. In response to COVID-19 mitigation strategies, these vulnerabilities are being experienced in the context of adapted drug treatment service provision, including reduced in ″person support and increased regulatory flexibility in opioid substitution therapy (OST) guidelines. This study aimed to explore the longer ″term impact of the pandemic on the health and wellbeing of PWID in the UK, including provider and client experiences of treatment changes. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 19 PWID and 17 drug treatment providers between May ″ September 2021, recruited from third″sector drug services in the UK. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Most participants expressed ongoing fears of COVID-19 transmission, although socio″structural inequalities limited the contexts in which physical distancing could be practised. In addition, virus mitigation strategies altered the risk environment for PWID, resulting in ongoing physical (e.g. changing drug use patterns, including transitions to crack cocaine, benzodiazepine and pregabalin use) and socio- economic harms (e.g. limited opportunities for sex work engagement and income generation). Finally, whilst clients reported some favourable experiences from service adaptations prompted by COVID″19, including increased regulatory flexibility in OST guidelines, there was continued scepticism and caution among providers toward sustaining any treatment changes beyond the pandemic period. Conclusions: Whilst our findings emphasize the importance of accessible harm reduction measures attending to changing indices of drug″related harm during this period, there is a need for additional structural supports to ensure pre-existing disparities and harms impacting PWID are not exacerbated further by the conditions of the pandemic. In addition, any sustained policy and service delivery adaptations prompted by COVID″19 will require further attention if they are to be acceptable to both service users and providers.
A simple method is devised to estimate the onset rate of COVID-19 from the proportion of untraceable patients tested positive, which allows us to obtain the number of asymptomatic patients, the number of infectious patients and the effective reproduction number. The recent data in Tokyo indicate that there are about six times as many infectious patients in the city as the daily confirmed new cases. It is shown that a quarantine measure on non-symptomatic patients is critically important in controlling the pandemic.
A Clinical Trial on Sequential Immunization of Recombinant COVID-19 Vaccine (CHO Cell, NVSI-06-09) and Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccine (Vero Cell) - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Biological: Recombinant COVID-19 Vaccine (CHO cell，NVSI-06-09); Biological: Inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (Vero cells)
Sponsors:
National Vaccine and Serum Institute, China; China National Biotec Group Company Limited; Lanzhou Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd; Beijing Insitute of Biological Products Co., Ltd
Not yet recruiting
Effect of Bronchipret on Antiviral Immune Response in Patients With Mild COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Drug: Bronchipret
Sponsors: Dr. Frank Behrens; Bionorica SE
Recruiting
Compass Course: COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Behavioral: Compass Course
Sponsor:
Allina Health System
Recruiting
COVID-19 Volumetric Quantification on Computer Tomography Using Computer Aided Diagnostics - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Diagnostic Test: CAD analysis
Sponsors:
Bogdan Bercean; Pius Brinzeu Timisoara County Emergency Hospital
Not yet recruiting
Improving COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among Black and Latino Youth - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Behavioral: Culturally-Tailored COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Intervention; Behavioral: Standard Care
Sponsors: Nemours Children’s Health System; National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS); University of Delaware; ChristianaCare
Active, not recruiting
Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Impacts of COVID-19 on Young Adults - Condition: Post COVID-19
Intervention: Other: Evaluation of Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Impacts of COVID-19 on Young Adults
Sponsor: Istanbul Arel University
Not yet recruiting
ApTOLL for the Treatment of COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Drug: ApTOLL; Other: Saline
Sponsors:
Macarena Hernández Jiménez; Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial
Recruiting
Platform Trial to Compare Homologous Boost of Authorized COVID-19 Vaccines and Heterologous Boost With UB-612 Vaccine - Condition: COVID-19 Vaccines
Interventions: Biological: UB-612; Biological: BNT162b2 vaccine; Biological: ChAdOx1-S vaccine; Biological: Sinopharm BIBP
Sponsors: Vaxxinity, Inc.; Syneos Health
Recruiting
Efficacy of TCM Capsules Lian Hua Qing Wen Jiao Nang in Mild COVID-19 Patients - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Other: TCM intervention; Other: Placebo intervention
Sponsor: Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution
Not yet recruiting
Trial to Study the Efficacy and Safety of BEJO Red Ginger in COVID-19 Patients With Mild Symptoms - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Dietary Supplement: BEJO Red Ginger Extract; Other: Placebo
Sponsors: Research Center for Chemistry, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia; National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia; RSDC Wisma Atlet; PT. Bintang Toedjoe
Recruiting
Safety and Pharmacokinetics of FBR-002 for the Treatment of Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19 in Need of Supplemental Oxygen and at Risk of Severe Outcome - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Drug: FBR-002; Drug: Placebo
Sponsor:
Fab’entech
Not yet recruiting
A Community-based Study of Spikogen®, a Protein-subunit Covid-19 Vaccine - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Biological: Advax-CpG55.2 adjuvanted recombinant spike protein
Sponsors: Professor Nikolai Petrovsky; Australian Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Institute; Tasmanian Eye Institute
Not yet recruiting
PROSPECTIVE OPEN LABEL CLINICAL TRIAL TO ADMINISTER A BOOSTER DOSE OF PFIZER/BIONTECH OR MODERNA COVID-19 VACCINE IN HIGH-RISK INDIVIDUALS - Conditions: SARS CoV 2 Infection; COVID-19
Interventions:
Biological: Pfizer/BioNTech (BNT162b2); Biological: Moderna
Sponsor:
DHR Health Institute for Research and Development
Recruiting
Nitrate-based Nutritional Formula for Oxygen Saturation and Patient-reported Outcomes in Covid-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Dietary Supplement: NITRATE; Dietary Supplement: PLACEBO
Sponsor: University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education
Completed
COVID-19 Variant Immunologic Landscape Trial (COVAIL Trial) - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Biological: mRNA-1273; Biological: mRNA-1273.351; Other: Sodium Chloride, 0.9%
Sponsor: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Not yet recruiting
Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviral infection requires FcgammaRIIB and virus-antibody complex with bivalent interaction - Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms behind ADE of SARS-CoV-2 is critical for development of safe and effective therapies. Here, we report that two neutralizing mAbs, MW01 and MW05, could enhance the infection of SARS- CoV-2 pseudovirus on FcγRIIB-expressing B cells. X-ray crystal structure determination and S trimer-binding modeling showed that MW01 and MW05 could bind to RBDs in S trimer with both “up” and “down” states. While, the neutralizing mAb MW07, which has no ADE activity…
17alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Inhibits Cytokine Production via Suppression of NF-kappaB Activation - Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients with elevated levels of circulating cytokines contributing to various clinical symptoms. Favorable control of CRS represents a promising and effective strategy to mitigate the clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients with moderate to severe pneumonia. Using in vivo cytokine release assay in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-engrafted immunodeficient mice, we reported that…
High Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme and Low Carboxypeptidase N Serum Activity Correlate with Disease Severity in COVID-19 Patients - (1) Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a functional receptor of SARS-CoV-2 and counter-balances ACE in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). An imbalance of the RAS could be associated with severe COVID-19 progression. (2) Methods: Activities of serum proteases angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and carboxypeptidase N (CPN) for 45 hospitalized and 26 convalescent COVID-19 patients were investigated vs. healthy controls using labeled bradykinin (DBK) degradation with and without…
Effect of Ultraviolet Light C (UV-C) Radiation Generated by Semiconductor Light Sources on Human Beta-Coronaviruses’ Inactivation - The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has completely disrupted people’s lives. All over the world, many restrictions and precautions have been introduced to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Ultraviolet C (UV-C) radiation is widely used to disinfect rooms, surfaces, and medical tools; however, this paper presents novel results obtained for modern UV-C light-emitting diodes (LEDs), examining their effect on inhibiting the multiplication…
Surface Functionalization of Non-Woven Fabrics Using a Novel Silica-Resin Coating Technology: Antiviral Treatment of Non-Woven Fabric Filters in Surgical Masks - Masks are effective for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. If antimicrobial properties can be applied to the non-woven fabric filters in masks, they can become a more effective countermeasure against human- to-human and environmental infections. We investigated the possibilities of carrying antimicrobial agents on the fiber surfaces of non-woven fabric filters by applying silica-resin coating technology, which can form silica-resin layers on such fabrics at normal…
SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and Mouse Coronavirus Inhibit Biofilm Formation by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus - The presence of co-infections or superinfections with bacterial pathogens in COVID-19 patients is associated with poor outcomes, including increased morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that SARS-CoV-2 and its components interact with the biofilms generated by commensal bacteria, which may contribute to co-infections. This study employed crystal violet staining and particle-tracking microrheology to characterize the formation of biofilms by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus…
Neuroinflammation and COVID-19 Ischemic Stroke Recovery-Evolving Evidence for the Mediating Roles of the ACE2/Angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas Receptor Axis and NLRP3 Inflammasome - Cerebrovascular events, notably acute ischemic strokes (AIS), have been reported in the setting of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection. Commonly regarded as cryptogenic, to date, the etiology is thought to be multifactorial and remains obscure; it is linked either to a direct viral invasion or to an indirect virus-induced prothrombotic state, with or without the presence of conventional cerebrovascular risk factors. In addition, patients are at a greater risk of developing long-term…
Increased Placental Anti-Oxidant Response in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic COVID-19 Third-Trimester Pregnancies - Despite Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) -induced Oxidative Stress (OxS) being well documented in different organs, the molecular pathways underlying placental OxS in late-pregnancy women with SARS-CoV-2 infection are poorly understood. Herein, we performed an observational study to determine whether placentae of women testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 during the third trimester of pregnancy showed redox-related alterations involving Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide…
Facile discovery of surrogate cytokine agonists - Cytokines are powerful immune modulators that initiate signaling through receptor dimerization, but natural cytokines have structural limitations as therapeutics. We present a strategy to discover cytokine surrogate agonists by using modular ligands that exploit induced proximity and receptor dimer geometry as pharmacological metrics amenable to high- throughput screening. Using VHH and scFv to human interleukin-2/15, type-I interferon, and interleukin-10 receptors, we generated combinatorial…
An extended conformation of SARS-CoV-2 main protease reveals allosteric targets - SignificanceThe coronavirus main protease (M^(pro)) is required for viral replication. Here, we obtained the extended conformation of the native monomer of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) M^(pro) by trapping it with nanobodies and found that the catalytic domain and the helix domain dissociate, revealing allosteric targets. Another monomeric state is termed compact conformation and is similar to one protomer of the dimeric form. We designed a Nanoluc Binary…
Targeting Arginine in COVID-19-Induced Immunopathology and Vasculopathy - Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) represents a major public health crisis that has caused the death of nearly six million people worldwide. Emerging data have identified a deficiency of circulating arginine in patients with COVID-19. Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that serves as key regulator of immune and vascular cell function. Arginine is metabolized by nitric oxide (NO) synthase to NO which plays a pivotal role in host defense and vascular health, whereas the catabolism of…
In Silico Evaluation of Antifungal Compounds from Marine Sponges against COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis - The world is already facing the devastating effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. A disseminated mucormycosis epidemic emerged to worsen this situation, causing havoc, especially in India. This research aimed to perform a multitargeted docking study of marine-sponge-origin bioactive compounds against mucormycosis. Information on proven drug targets and marine sponge compounds was obtained via a literature search. A total of seven different targets were selected. Thirty- five compounds were chosen…
Aurasperone A Inhibits SARS CoV-2 In Vitro: An Integrated In Vitro and In Silico Study - Several natural products recovered from a marine-derived Aspergillus niger were tested for their inhibitory activity against SARS CoV-2 in vitro. Aurasperone A (3) was found to inhibit SARS CoV-2 efficiently (IC(50) = 12.25 µM) with comparable activity with the positive control remdesivir (IC(50) = 10.11 µM). Aurasperone A exerted minimal cytotoxicity on Vero E6 cells (CC(50) = 32.36 mM, SI = 2641.5) and it was found to be much safer than remdesivir (CC(50) = 415.22 µM, SI = 41.07). To…
Neoechinulin A as a Promising SARS-CoV-2 M(pro) Inhibitor: In Vitro and In Silico Study Showing the Ability of Simulations in Discerning Active from Inactive Enzyme Inhibitors - The COVID-19 pandemic and its continuing emerging variants emphasize the need to discover appropriate treatment, where vaccines alone have failed to show complete protection against the new variants of the virus. Therefore, treatment of the infected cases is critical. This paper discusses the bio-guided isolation of three indole diketopiperazine alkaloids, neoechinulin A (1), echinulin (2), and eurocristatine (3), from the Red Sea-derived Aspergillus fumigatus MR2012. Neoechinulin A (1)…
Biological investigation of N-methyl thiosemicarbazones as antimicrobial agents and bacterial carbonic anhydrases inhibitors - The enormous burden of the COVID-19 pandemic in economic and healthcare terms has cast a shadow on the serious threat of antimicrobial resistance, increasing the inappropriate use of antibiotics and shifting the focus of drug discovery programmes from antibacterial and antifungal fields. Thus, there is a pressing need for new antimicrobials involving innovative modes of action (MoAs) to avoid cross-resistance rise. Thiosemicarbazones (TSCs) stand out due to their easy preparation and…
MACHINE LEARNING TECHNIQUE TO ANALYZE THE WORK PRESSURE OF PARAMEDICAL STAFF DURING COVID 19 - Machine learning technique to analyse the work pressure of paramedical staff during covid 19 is the proposed invention that focuses on identifying the stress levels of paramedical staff. The invention focuses on analysing the level of stress that is induced on the paramedical staff especially during pandemic. - link
CBD Covid 19 Protection - - link
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING IMPROVED GENERALIZED FUZZY PEER GROUP WITH MODIFIED TRILATERAL FILTER TO REMOVE MIXED IMPULSE AND ADAPTIVE WHITE GAUSSIAN NOISE FROM COLOR IMAGES - ABSTRACTMETHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING IMPROVED GENERALIZED FUZZY PEER GROUP WITH MODIFIED TRILATERAL FILTER TO REMOVE MIXED IMPULSE AND ADAPTIVE WHITE GAUSSIAN NOISE FROM COLOR IMAGESThe present invention provides a new approach is proposed that includes fuzzy-based approach and similarity function for filtering the mixed noise. In a peer group, the similarity function was adaptive to edge information and local noise level, which was utilized for detecting the similarity among pixels. In addition, a new filtering method Modified Trilateral Filter (MTF) with Improved Generalized Fuzzy Peer Group (IGFPG) is proposed to remove mixed impulse and Adaptive White Gaussian Noise from Color Images. The modified trilateral filter includes Kikuchi algorithm and loopy belief propagation to solve the inference issues on the basis of passing local message. In this research work, the images were collected from KODAK dataset and a few real time multimedia images like Lena were also used for testing the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. - link
A STUDY ON MENTAL HEALTH, STRESS AND ANXIETY AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS DURING COVID-19 - SARS-Cov-2 virus causes an infectious disease coronavirus(COVID-19).The Students life is made harder by COVID-19.The human reaction that happens normally to everyone through physical or emotional tension is stress. Feeling of angry, nervous and frustration caused through any thought or events leads to stress. As college closures and cancelled events, students are missing out on some of the biggest moments of their young lives as well as everyday moments like chatting with friend, participating in class and cultural programme. For students facing life changes due to the outbreak are feeling anxious, isolated and disappointed which lead them to feel all alone. We like to take the help of expert adolescent psychologist to find out the techniques to practice self-care and look after their mental health. We would like to find out whether techniques used reduce the anxiety and stress among Engineering Students. - link
A METHOD FOR THE TREATMENT OF COVID-19 INFECTIONS WITH PALMITOYLETHANOLAMIDE - - link
CONNECTING A TUTOR WITH A STUDENT - A system and a method for connecting a tutor with a student in real time. Initially, the system receives a student profile. Further, the system receives a question from the student. Furthermore, the system synthesizes the question based on a set of predefined machine learning model. Subsequently, the system determines a cohort of the students from the set of the cohort of the students. The cohort of the students is determined based on the one or more parameters related to the question. Further, the system identifies a tutor assigned to the cohort of the students. Subsequently, the system notifies the tutor in real time. Further, the system receives an acknowledgement from the tutor within a predefined time. Finally, the system connects the tutor with the student in real time when the acknowledgement is the positive acknowledgement. - link
A CENTRAL TRANSACTION AUTHENTIC SYSTEM FOR OTP VERIFICATION - The present invention relates to a central transaction authentic system (100) for OTP verification. The system (100) comprises one or more user display units (102), one or more financial units (104), an account deposit unit (106), an OTP authentication unit (108) and a service server unit (110). The central transaction authentic system (100) for OTP verification work as Anti-money laundering measure. The system (100) also helpful for minimizing rate of cybercrime. The central transaction authentic system (100) for OTP verification that can neutralize digital financial fraud. The present invention provides a central transaction authentic system (100) for OTP verification that can monitor and analyze every transaction and customer interaction across its customer base for suspicious and potentially criminal activity. - link
人源抗新冠病毒中和性抗体D2及其应用 - 本发明公开了人源抗新冠病毒中和性抗体D2及其应用。本发明利用噬菌体抗体库技术，成功获得一株特异性针对新型冠状病毒表面抗原的人源中和性抗体D2；且其在体外具有阻止新型冠状病毒感染敏感细胞的中和功能，在宿主中表达量高，对抗原亲和力高。利用上述方法获得的人源中和性抗新型冠状病毒表面抗原基因工程抗体可变区基因、Fab抗体基因以及上述每个抗体基因特征下的全抗体基因，可以在原核细胞、酵母细胞、真核细胞及任何重组系统中表达和生产此抗体或以此为基础的改建后的含有此抗体基因的任何其他基因，获得具有中和新型冠状病毒感染的抗体产物，制成临床上用于预防和治疗新型冠状病毒肺炎的特异性抗体药物。 - link
雾化吸入型糖皮质激素纳米药物及其制备方法和应用 - 本发明公开了一种雾化吸入型糖皮质激素纳米药物及其制备方法和应用。该纳米药物包括：纳米级细胞膜囊泡；以及加载在纳米级细胞膜囊泡中的糖皮质激素。本发明的雾化吸入型糖皮质激素纳米药物可以在炎症肺部的滞留增强，并改善对激活的巨噬细胞和树突状细胞的靶向性，从而促进糖皮质激素细胞因子的下调作用，抑制新冠病毒SARS‑CoV‑2感染引起的新冠肺炎COVID‑19炎性细胞浸润和肺组织损伤；纳米糖皮质激素依靠中性粒细胞膜囊泡上丰富的细胞因子受体，中和广谱细胞因子，有效缓解肺部炎症。此外，中性粒细胞膜囊泡显示出了更好的体内安全性，并且雾化吸入型糖皮质激素纳米药物吸入递送后能有效地减轻糖皮质激素引起的骨质疏松症。 - link
检测新型冠状病毒及其Omicron突变株的试剂盒和方法 - 本发明公开了一种检测新型冠状病毒及其Omicron突变株的试剂盒和方法。本发明通过对新冠ORF1ab、N、S三靶标基因进行联合检测对新型冠状病毒进行定性检测，同时S基因检测靶标区域覆盖Omicron变异株的特异性突变位点，如若新型冠状病毒为Omicron变异株，因突变位点的发生会导致S基因丢失无信号，从而对Omicron变异株与非Omicron变异株进行鉴别。本发明的检测试剂，能够高效率、高特异性、高稳定性、低成本的对新型冠状病毒及其Omicron突变株感染患者进行检测。 - link