Covid-19 Sentry

Contents

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

From Preprints

• The changing landscape of friendship in the pandemic: Males, younger people, and less educated people experience more negative effects of the pandemic on their friendships -
  Friendships are important for social support and mental health, yet social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic have limited people’s ability to interact with their friends during this difficult time. In August of 2020, we asked participants about changes in their friendships as a result of the pandemic - including changes in the quality of friendships and people’s feelings about their friends - as part of a larger longitudinal study. We found that people who are younger, male, and less educated reported more negative effects on their friendships as a result of the pandemic, including feeling lonelier and less satisfied with their friends, while people with higher subjective socioeconomic status (SES) wanted to make more and shallower friends than those with lower subjective SES. We also found that feelings of stress, isolation and guilt around friendship are associated with greater COVID-related social risk taking, such as being motivated to make new friends and visit friends in person. Males, who reported more negative effects of the pandemic on their friendship than females, also reported a greater likelihood than females that they would attend large parties. These results show that the pandemic is affecting friendships differently across demographic groups and suggest that the negative impacts of COVID-19 on friendships might motivate some COVID-related social risk taking in order to try to maintain friendships or build new ones.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: The changing landscape of friendship in the pandemic: Males, younger people, and less educated people experience more negative effects of the pandemic on their friendships
• SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding mutations and antibody mediated immunity. -
  SARS-CoV-2 mutations can impact infectivity, viral load, and overall morbidity/mortality during infection. In this analysis, we look at the mutational landscape of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain, a structure that is antigenic and allows for viral binding to the host. We analyze 104193 GISAID sequences acquired on October 15th, 2020 with a majority of sequences (96%) containing point mutations. We report high frequency mutations with improved binding affinity to ACE2 including S477N, N439K, V367F, and N501Y and address the potential impact of RBD mutations on antibody binding. The high frequency S477N mutation is present in 6.7% of all SARS-CoV-2 sequences, co-occurs with D614G, and is currently present in 14 countries. To address RBD-antibody interactions we take a subset of human derived antibodies and define their interacting residues using PDBsum. Our analysis shows that adaptive immunity against SARS-CoV-2 enlists broad coverage of the RBD suggesting that antibody mediated immunity should be sufficient to resolve infection in the presence of RBD point mutations that conserve structure.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding mutations and antibody mediated immunity.
• Longitudinal analysis of humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Spike in convalescent individuals up to 8 months post-symptom onset -
  Functional and lasting immune responses to the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) are currently under intense investigation as antibody titers in plasma have been shown to decline during convalescence. Since the absence of antibodies does not equate to absence of immune memory, we sought to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific memory B cells in COVID-19 convalescent patients. In this study, we report on the evolution of the overall humoral immune responses on 101 blood samples obtained from 32 COVID-19 convalescent patients between 16 and 233 days post-symptom onset. Our observations indicate that anti-Spike and anti-RBD IgM in plasma decay rapidly, whereas the reduction of IgG is less prominent. Neutralizing activity in convalescent plasma declines rapidly compared to Fc-effector functions. Concomitantly, the frequencies of RBD-specific IgM+ B cells wane significantly when compared to RBD-specific IgG+ B cells, which increase over time, and the number of IgG+ memory B cells which remain stable thereafter for up to 8 months after symptoms onset. With the recent approval of highly effective vaccines for COVID-19, data on the persistence of immune responses are of central importance. Even though overall circulating SARS-CoV-2 Spike-specific antibodies contract over time during convalescence, we demonstrate that RBD-specific B cells increase and persist up to 8 months post symptom onset. We also observe modest increases in RBD-specific IgG+ memory B cells and importantly, detectable IgG and sustained Fc-effector activity in plasma over the 8-month period. Our results add to the current understanding of immune memory following SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is critical for the prevention of secondary infections, vaccine efficacy and herd immunity against COVID-19.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Longitudinal analysis of humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Spike in convalescent individuals up to 8 months post-symptom onset
• Profiling transcription factor sub-networks in type I interferon signaling and in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection -
  Type I interferons (IFN /{beta}) play a central role in innate immunity to respiratory viruses, including coronaviruses. Genetic defects in type I interferon signaling were reported in a significant proportion of critically ill CoOVID-19 patients. Extensive studies on interferon-induced intracellular signal transduction pathways led to the elucidation of the Jak-Stat pathway. Furthermore, advances in gene expression profiling by microarrays have revealed that type I interferon rapidly induced multiple transcription factor mRNA levels. In this study, transcription factor profiling in the transcriptome was used to gain novel insights into the role of inducible transcription factors in response to type I interferon signaling in immune cells and in lung epithelial cells after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Modeling the interferon-inducible transcription factor mRNA data in terms of distinct sub-networks based on biological functions such as antiviral response, immune modulation, and cell growth revealed enrichment of specific transcription factors in mouse and human immune cells. The evolutionarily conserved core type I interferon gene expression consists of the inducible transcriptional factor mRNA of the antiviral response sub-network and enriched in granulocytes. Analysis of the type I interferon-inducible transcription factor sub-networks as distinct protein-protein interaction pathways revealed insights into the role of critical hubs in signaling. Interrogation of multiple microarray datasets revealed that SARS-CoV-2 induced high levels of IFN-beta and interferon-inducible transcription factor mRNA in human lung epithelial cells. Transcription factor mRNA of the three major sub-networks regulating antiviral, immune modulation, and cell growth were differentially regulated in human lung epithelial cell lines after SARS-CoV-2 infection and in the tissue samples of COVID-19 patients. A subset of type I interferon-inducible transcription factors and inflammatory mediators were specifically enriched in the lungs and neutrophils of Covid-19 patients. The emerging complex picture of type I IFN transcriptional regulation consists of a rapid transcriptional switch mediated by the Jak-Stat cascade and a graded output of the inducible transcription factor activation that enables temporal regulation of gene expression.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Profiling transcription factor sub-networks in type I interferon signaling and in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection
• Molecular Dynamics Reveals the Effects of Temperature on Critical SARS-CoV-2 Proteins -
  Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly identified RNA virus that causes the serious infection Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The incidence of COVID-19 is still increasing worldwide despite the summer heat and cool winter. However, little is known about seasonal stability of SARS-CoV-2. Herein, we employ Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations to explore the effect of temperature on four critical SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Our work demonstrates that the spike Receptor Binding Domain (RBD), Main protease (Mpro), and nonstructural protein 3 (macro X) possesses extreme thermos-stability when subjected to temperature variations rendering them attractive drug targets. Furthermore, our findings suggest that these four proteins are well adapted to habitable temperatures on earth and are largely insensitive to cold and warm climates. Furthermore, we report that the critical residues in SARS-CoV-2 RBD were less responsive to temperature variations as compared to the critical residues in SARS-CoV. As such, extreme summer and winter climates, and the transition between the two seasons, are expected to have a negligible effect on the stability of SARS-CoV-2 which will marginally suppress transmission rates until effective drugs are available.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Molecular Dynamics Reveals the Effects of Temperature on Critical SARS-CoV-2 Proteins
• Rates of serious clinical outcomes in survivors of hospitalisation with COVID-19: a descriptive cohort study within the OpenSAFELY platform -

  Background Patients with COVID-19 are thought to be at higher risk of cardiometabolic and pulmonary complications, but quantification of that risk is limited. We aimed to describe the overall burden of these complications in survivors of severe COVID-19. Methods Working on behalf of NHS England we used data from the OpenSAFELY platform linking primary care records to death certificate and hospital data. We constructed two cohorts: a COVID-19 cohort consisting of patients discharged following hospitalisation with COVID-19, and a comparison population of patients discharged following hospitalisation with pneumonia in 2019. Outcomes included DVT, PE, ischaemic stroke, MI, heart failure, AKI and new type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Outcome rates from hospital discharge were measured in each cohort, stratified by patient demographics and 30-day period. We fitted Cox regression models to estimate crude and age/sex adjusted hazard ratios comparing outcome rates between the two cohorts. Results Amongst the population of 31,569 patients discharged following hospitalisation with COVID-19, the highest rates were observed for heart failure (199.3; 95% CI: 191.8 - 207.1) and AKI (154.5; 95% CI: 147.9 - 161.4). Rates of DVT, heart failure, ischaemic stroke, MI, PE and diabetes were high over the four months post discharge, especially in the first month. Patterns were broadly similar to those seen in patients discharged with pneumonia but somewhat higher in the COVID-19 population for stroke (adj-HR 1.78; 95% CI: 1.53 - 2.08), PE (adj-HR 1.38; 95% CI: 1.21 - 1.58), MI (adj-HR 1.46; 95% CI: 1.20 - 1.76), AKI (adj-HR 1.27; 95% CI: 1.19 - 1.36) and T2DM (adj-HR 1.28; 95% CI: 1.08 - 1.50). Conclusions In this descriptive study of survivors of severe COVID-19, rates of the measured outcomes are at least as high, though in some cases slightly higher, than in patients discharged after hospitalisation with pneumonia. Further work is needed to identify what characteristics of COVID-19 patients put them at highest risk of adverse events.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Rates of serious clinical outcomes in survivors of hospitalisation with COVID-19: a descriptive cohort study within the OpenSAFELY platform
• Postlockdown Dynamics of COVID-19 in New York, Florida, Arizona, and Wisconsin -

  The COVID-19 pandemic is widely studied as it continues to threaten many populations of people especially in the USA, the leading country in terms of both deaths and cases. More and more reports show that the spread of COVID-19 involves infected individuals first passing through a pre-symptomatic infectious stage in addition to the incubation period and that many of the infectious individuals are asymptomatic. In this study, we design and use a mathematical model to primarily address the question of who are the main drivers of COVID-19 - the symptomatic infectious or the presymptomatic and asymptomatic infectious in the states of Florida, Arizona, New York, Wisconsin and the entire United States. We emphasize the benefit of lockdown by showing that for all four states, earlier and later lockdown dates decrease the number of cumulative deaths. This benefit of lockdown is also evidenced by the decrease in the infectious cases for Arizona and the entire US when lockdown is implemented earlier. When comparing the influence of the symptomatic infectious versus the presympomatic/asymptomatic infectious, it is shown that, in general, the larger contribution comes from the latter group. This is seen from several perspectives (1) in terms of daily cases, (2) in terms of daily cases when the influence of one group is targeted over the other by setting the effective contact rate(s) for the non-targeted group to zero, and (3) in terms of cumulative cases and deaths for the US and Arizona when the influence of one group is targeted over the other by setting the effective contact rate(s) for the non-targeted group to zero. The consequences of the difference in the contributions of the two infectious groups is simulated in terms of testing and these simulations show that an increase in testing and isolating for the presymptomatic and asymptomatic infectious group has more impact than an increase in testing for the symptomatic infectious. For example, for the entire US, a 50% increase in testing for the presymptomatic and asymptomatic infectious group results in a 35% decrease in deaths as opposed to a lower 6% decrease in deaths when a 50% increase in testing rate for the symptomatic infectious is implemented. We also see that if the testing for infectious symptomatic is kept at the baseline value and the testing for the presymptomatic and asymptomatic is increased from 0.2 to 0.25, then the control reproduction number falls well below 1. On the other hand, to get even close to such a result when keeping the presymptomatic and asymptomatic at baseline fitted values, the symptomatic infectious testing rate must be increased considerably more - from 0.25 to 1.7. Lastly, we use our model to simulate an implementation of a natural herd immunity strategy for the entire U.S. and for the state of Wisconsin (the most recent epicenter) and we find that such a strategy requires a significant number of deaths and as such is questionable in terms of success. We conclude with a brief summary of our results and some implications regarding COVID-19 control and mitigation strategies.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Postlockdown Dynamics of COVID-19 in New York, Florida, Arizona, and Wisconsin
• Genomic epidemiology of COVID-19 in care homes in the East of England -

  COVID-19 poses a major challenge to care homes, as SARS-CoV-2 is readily transmitted and causes disproportionately severe disease in older people. Here, we report on 6,600 COVID-19 cases from the East of England, 1,167 of which were identified as residents from 337 care homes. Older age and being a care home resident were associated with increased mortality. SARS-CoV-2 genomes were available for 700 residents from 292 care homes. By integrating genomic and temporal data we defined 409 viral clusters within the 292 homes, indicating two different patterns - outbreaks among care home residents and independent introductions with limited onward transmission. Approximately 70% of residents in the genomic analysis were admitted to hospital during the study period, providing extensive opportunities for transmission between care homes and hospitals. Limiting viral transmission between care home residents should be a key target for infection control to reduce COVID-19 mortality in this population.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Genomic epidemiology of COVID-19 in care homes in the East of England
• Total predicted MHC-I epitope load is inversely associated with mortality from SARS-CoV-2 -

  Polymorphisms in MHC-I protein sequences across human populations significantly impacts viral peptide binding capacity and thus alters T cell immunity to infection. Consequently, allelic variants of the MHC-I protein have been found to be associated with patient outcome to various viral infections, including SARS-CoV. In the present study, we assess the relationship between observed SARS-CoV-2 population mortality and the predicted viral binding capacities of 52 common MHC-I alleles ensuring representation of all MHC-I supertypes. Potential SARS-CoV-2 MHC-I peptides were identified using a consensus MHC-I binding and presentation prediction algorithm, called EnsembleMHC. Starting with nearly 3.5 million candidates, we resolved a few hundred high-confidence MHC-I peptides. By weighing individual MHC allele SARS-CoV-2 binding capacity with population frequency in 23 countries, we discover a strong inverse correlation between the predicted population SARS-CoV-2 peptide binding capacity and observed mortality rate. Our computations reveal that peptides derived from the structural proteins of the virus produces a stronger association with observed mortality rate, highlighting the importance of S, N, M, E proteins in driving productive immune responses. The correlation between epitope binding capacity and population mortality risk remains robust across a range of socioeconomic and epidemiological factors. A combination of binding capacity, number of deaths due to COPD complications, and the proportion of the population over the age of 65 offers the strongest determinant of at-risk populations. These results bring to light how molecular changes in the MHC-I proteins may affect population-level outcomes of viral infection.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Total predicted MHC-I epitope load is inversely associated with mortality from SARS-CoV-2
• Lost in translation: codon optimization inactivates SARS-CoV-2 RdRp -
  RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is a primary target for antivirals. We report that Nsp12, a catalytic subunit of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp, produces an inactive enzyme when codon-optimized for bacterial expression. We also show that accessory subunits, NTPs, and translation by slow ribosomes partially rescue Nsp12. Our findings have implications for functional studies and identification of novel inhibitors of RdRp and for rational design of other biotechnologically and medically important expression systems.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Lost in translation: codon optimization inactivates SARS-CoV-2 RdRp
• Effect of mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on protein stability, cleavage, and cell-cell fusion function -
  The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) is the sole viral protein responsible for both viral binding to a host cell and the membrane fusion event needed for cell entry. In addition to facilitating fusion needed for viral entry, S can also drive cell-cell fusion, a pathogenic effect observed in the lungs of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. While several studies have investigated S requirements involved in viral particle entry, examination of S stability and factors involved in S cell-cell fusion remain limited. We demonstrate that S must be processed at the S1/S2 border in order to mediate cell-cell fusion, and that mutations at potential cleavage sites within the S2 subunit alter S processing at the S1/S2 border, thus preventing cell-cell fusion. We also identify residues within the internal fusion peptide and the cytoplasmic tail that modulate S cell-cell fusion. Additionally, we examine S stability and protein cleavage kinetics in a variety of mammalian cell lines, including a bat cell line related to the likely reservoir species for SARS-CoV-2, and provide evidence that proteolytic processing alters the stability of the S trimer. This work therefore offers insight into S stability, proteolytic processing, and factors that mediate S cell-cell fusion, all of which help give a more comprehensive understanding of this highly sought-after therapeutic target.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Effect of mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on protein stability, cleavage, and cell-cell fusion function
• Next generation vaccine platform: polymersomes as stable nanocarriers for a highly immunogenic and durable SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subunit vaccine -
  Multiple successful vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are urgently needed to address the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. In the present work, we describe a subunit vaccine based on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein co-administered with CpG adjuvant. To enhance the immunogenicity of our formulation, both antigen and adjuvant were encapsulated with our proprietary artificial cell membrane (ACM) polymersome technology. Structurally, ACM polymersomes are self-assembling nanoscale vesicles made up of an amphiphilic block copolymer comprising of polybutadiene-b-polyethylene glycol and a cationic lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane. Functionally, ACM polymersomes serve as delivery vehicles that are efficiently taken up by dendritic cells, which are key initiators of the adaptive immune response. Two doses of our formulation elicit robust neutralizing titers in C57BL/6 mice that persist at least 40 days. Furthermore, we confirm the presence of memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells that produce Th1 cytokines. This study is an important step towards the development of an efficacious vaccine in humans.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Next generation vaccine platform: polymersomes as stable nanocarriers for a highly immunogenic and durable SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subunit vaccine
• A multiscale model suggests that a moderately weak inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication by type I IFN could accelerate the clearance of the virus -
  Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible RNA virus that emerged in China at the end of 2019 and caused a large global outbreak. The interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and the immune response is complex because it is regulated by various processes taking part at the intracellular, tissue, and host levels. To gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of COVID-19, we formulate a multiscale model that integrate the main mechanisms which regulate the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 across multiple scales. The model describes the effect of type I interferon on the replication of SARS-CoV-2 inside cells. At the tissue level, we simulate the interactions between infected cells and immune cells using a hybrid agent-based representation. At the same time, we model the dynamics of virus spread and adaptive immune response in the host organism. After model validation, we demonstrate that a moderately weak inhibition of virus replication by type I IFN could elicit a strong adaptive immune response which accelerates the clearance of the virus. Furthermore, numerical simulations suggest that the deficiency of lymphocytes and not dendritic cells could lead to unfavourable outcomes in the elderly population.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: A multiscale model suggests that a moderately weak inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication by type I IFN could accelerate the clearance of the virus
• Ubiquitin ligase RIPLET mediates polyubiquitination of RIG-I and LGP2 and regulates the innate immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection -
  RIG-I, a cytoplasmic viral RNA sensor, is crucial for innate antiviral immune responses; however, there are controversies about the regulatory mechanism of RIG-I by several ubiquitin ligases and LGP2. This study revealed that the RIPLET ubiquitin ligase is a general activating factor for RIG-I signaling. In contrast, another ubiquitin ligase, TRIM25, activated RIG-I in a cell-type-specific manner. RIPLET and TRIM25 functions were modulated by accessory factors, such as ZCCH3C and NLRP12. Interestingly, we found an additional role of RIPLET in innate immune responses. RIPLET induced delayed polyubiquitination of LGP, resulting in the attenuation of excessive cytokine expression at the late phase. Moreover, RIPLET was involved in the innate immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 infection, a cause of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Our data indicate that RIPLET fine-tunes innate immune responses via polyubiquitination of RIG-I and LGP2 against virus infection, including SARS-CoV-2.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Ubiquitin ligase RIPLET mediates polyubiquitination of RIG-I and LGP2 and regulates the innate immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection
• Science knowledge and trust in medicine affect individuals’ behavior in pandemic crises -
  In pandemic crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals’ behavior has a strong impact on epidemiological processes. Compliance with prevention guidelines, such as social distancing, is critical to avoid further spreading an infectious disease or to slow down its spread. However, some individuals also or instead engage in panic behavior, such as hoarding. We investigate how education prepares individuals to respond adequately by modelling the path from seeking information about COVID-19 to eventual behavior. Based on a sample of N = 1,182 adult Americans, gathered at the pandemic’s onset (March 2020), we conclude that science knowledge helps individuals convert information into coronavirus knowledge. This knowledge then helps individuals avoid panic behavior. Individuals lacking coronavirus knowledge and science knowledge still comply with prevention guidelines when they have a general trust in medicine. Individuals lacking knowledge still follow prevention guidelines when they trust in medicine. Facilitating science knowledge and trust in science through education and targeted public health messaging are likely to be of fundamental importance for bringing crises such as the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic under control.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Science knowledge and trust in medicine affect individuals’ behavior in pandemic crises

From Clinical Trials

• Dexamethasone for COVID-19 - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Drug: Dexamethasone
  Sponsor:   University of Oklahoma
  Not yet recruiting

• Phase III Study of AZD7442 for Treatment of COVID-19 in Outpatient Adults - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: AZD7442;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsor:   AstraZeneca
  Not yet recruiting

• Fluvoxamine Administration in Moderate SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Infected Patients - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Drug: Placebo;   Drug: Fluvoxamine
  Sponsor:   SigmaDrugs Research Ltd.
  Recruiting

• APT™ T3X on the COVID-19 Contamination Rate - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: Tetracycline hydrochloride 3%;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsors:   University of Nove de Julho;   Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre
  Not yet recruiting

• The (HD)IVACOV Trial (The High-Dose IVermectin Against COVID-19 Trial) - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Drug: Ivermectin 0.6mg/kg/day;   Drug: Ivermectin 1.0mg/kg/day;   Drug: Placebo;   Drug: Hydroxychloroquine
  Sponsor:   Corpometria Institute
  Not yet recruiting

• A Study of ORTD-1 in Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19 Related Pneumonia - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: ORTD-1 low dose;   Drug: ORTD-1 mid dose;   Drug: ORTD-1 high dose;   Other: Vehicle control
  Sponsor:   Oryn Therapeutics, LLC
  Recruiting

• Rapid Diagnosis of COVID-19 by Chemical Analysis of Exhaled Air - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Diagnostic Test: Performance evaluation (sensitivity and specificity) for COVID-19 diagnosis of the Vocus PTR-TOF process
  Sponsor:   Hospices Civils de Lyon
  Not yet recruiting

• COVID-19 Immunologic Antiviral Therapy With Omalizumab - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Biological: Omalizumab;   Other: Placebo
  Sponsor:   McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre
  Not yet recruiting

• IMUNOR® Preparation in the Prevention of COVID-19 - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Drug: IMUNOR
  Sponsor:   University Hospital Ostrava
  Not yet recruiting

• Safety and Efficacy of Doxycycline and Rivaroxaban in COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: Doxycycline Tablets;   Drug: Rivaroxaban 15Mg Tab;   Combination Product: Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin
  Sponsor:   Yaounde Central Hospital
  Recruiting

• Clinical Experimentation With Tenofovir Disoproxyl Fumarate and Emtricitabine for COVID-19 - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Drug: Vitamin C 500 MG Oral Tablet;   Drug: Tenofovir disoproxyl fumarate 300 MG Oral Tablet;   Drug: Tenofovir disoproxyl fumarate 300 MG plus emtricitabine 200 MG Oral Tablet
  Sponsors:   Universidade Federal do Ceara;   Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico;   São José Hospital for Infectious Diseases - HSJ;   Central Laboratory of Public Health of Ceará - Lacen-CE
  Recruiting

• Phase IIb Clinical Trial of Recombinant Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (COVID-19) Vaccine (Sf9 Cells) - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Biological: Recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (Sf9 cells);   Biological: Placebo
  Sponsors:   Jiangsu Province Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;   West China Hospital
  Not yet recruiting

• Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of BGE-175 in Participants ≥ 60 Years of Age and Hospitalized With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) That Are Not in Respiratory Failure - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Drug: BGE-175;   Other: Placebo
  Sponsor:   BioAge Labs, Inc.
  Not yet recruiting

• Antiseptic Mouth Rinses to Reduce Salivary Viral Load in COVID-19 Patients - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Drug: Betadine© bucal 100 mg/ml;   Drug: Oximen® 3%;   Drug: Clorhexidine Dental PHB©;   Drug: Vitis Xtra Forte©;   Drug: Distilled Water
  Sponsors:   Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana;   Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz;   Hospital Universitario General de Villalba;   Hospital Universitario Infanta Elena;   Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca;   Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia;   Dentaid SL
  Completed

• Pilot Study of Cefditoren Pivoxil in COVID-19 Patients With Mild to Moderate Pneumonia - Condition:   COVID-19 Pneumonia
  Intervention:   Drug: Cefditoren pivoxil 400mg
  Sponsor:   Meiji Pharma Spain S.A.
  Recruiting

From PubMed

• Designing and evaluation of MERS-CoV siRNAs in HEK-293 cell line - CONCLUSION: Based on the results obtained; it is concluded that the prediction of siRNAs using online software resulted in the filtration of potential siRNAs with high accuracy and strength. This technology can be used to design and develop antiviral therapy not only for MERS-CoV but also against other viruses.

• Identification of potential SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitors by targeting the interface region between the spike RBD and human ACE2 - Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a fatal infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus infection is initiated upon recognition and binding of the spike (S) protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) to the host cell surface receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Blocking the interaction between S protein and ACE2 receptor is a novel approach to prevent the viral entry into the host cell. The present study is aimed at the...

• Ergosterol peroxide exhibits antiviral and immunomodulatory abilities against porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) via suppression of NF-κB and p38/MAPK signaling pathways in vitro - Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is an emerging swine enteropathogenic coronavirus (CoV) that poses economic and public health burdens. Currently, there are no effective antiviral agents against PDCoV. Cryptoporus volvatus often serves as an antimicrobial agent in Traditional Chinese Medicines. This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral activities of ergosterol peroxide (EP) from C. volvatus against PDCoV infection. The inhibitory activity of EP against PDCoV was assessed by using virus...

• The right place for IL-1 inhibition in COVID-19 - No abstract

• Screening, simulation, and optimization design of small molecule inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein - The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern. The spike glycoprotein (S protein) of SARS-CoV-2 is a key target of antiviral drugs. Focusing on the existing S protein structure, molecular docking was used in this study to calculate the binding energy and interaction sites between 14 antiviral molecules with different structures and the SARS-CoV-2 S protein, and the potential drug candidates targeting the SARS-CoV-2...

• Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Self-Cleaning Mats with Sensing Capabilities Based on Electrospun Nanofibers Decorated with ZnO Nanorods and Ag Nanoparticles for Protective Clothing Applications - The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly shown the importance of developments in fabrication of advanced protective equipment. This study investigates the potential of using multifunctional electrospun poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanofibers decorated with ZnO nanorods and Ag nanoparticles (PMMA/ZnO-Ag NFs) in protective mats. Herein, the PMMA/ZnO-Ag NFs with an average diameter of 450 nm were simply prepared on a nonwoven fabric by directly electrospinning from solutions containing PMMA, ZnO...

• Factors influencing healthy role models in medical school to conduct healthy behavior: a qualitative study - CONCLUSIONS: Factors that support and inhibit medical teachers as healthy role models in medical school are influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This result could be used by medical schools to design appropriate interventions to help medical teachers as healthy role models in conducting healthy behavior. More studies are needed to explore other factors that influence medical teachers to conduct healthy behavior. During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthy role models in medical schools are...

• Molecular basis for the repurposing of histamine H2-receptor antagonist to treat COVID-19 - With the world threatened by a second surge in the number of Coronavirus cases, there is an urgent need for the development of effective treatment for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Recently, global attention has turned to preliminary reports on the promising anti-COVID-19 effect of histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs), most especially Famotidine. Therefore, this study was designed to exploit a possible molecular basis for the efficacy of H2RAs against coronavirus. Molecular docking was...

• Scutellaria baicalensis extract and baicalein inhibit replication of SARS-CoV-2 and its 3C-like protease in vitro - COVID-19 has become a global pandemic and there is an urgent call for developing drugs against the virus (SARS-CoV-2). The 3C-like protease (3CL^(pro)) of SARS-CoV-2 is a preferred target for broad spectrum anti-coronavirus drug discovery. We studied the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of S. baicalensis and its ingredients. We found that the ethanol extract of S. baicalensis and its major component, baicalein, inhibit SARS-CoV-2 3CL^(pro) activity in vitro with IC(50)'s of 8.52 µg/ml and 0.39 µM,...

• Can limonene be a possible candidate for evaluation as an agent or adjuvant against infection, immunity, and inflammation in COVID-19? - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an ongoing pandemic and presents a public health emergency. It has affected millions of people and continues to affect more, despite the tremendous social preventive measures. The therapeutic strategy relies on suppressing infectivity and inflammation, along with immune modulation. The identification of candidate drugs effective for COVID-19 is crucial, thus many natural products...

• Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Aided Virtual Search of OliveNet Directory for Secoiridoids to Combat SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Associated Hyperinflammatory Responses - Molecular docking and molecular dynamics aided virtual search of OliveNet™ directory identified potential secoiridoids that combat SARS-CoV-2 entry, replication, and associated hyperinflammatory responses. OliveNet™ is an active directory of phytochemicals obtained from different parts of the olive tree, Olea europaea (Oleaceae). Olive oil, olive fruits containing phenolics, known for their health benefits, are indispensable in the Mediterranean and Arabian diets. Secoiridoids is the largest...

• Perspectives: potential therapeutic approach with inhalation of ACE2-derived peptides for SARS-CoV-2 infection - CONCLUSION: ACE2-derived peptides may play a dual beneficial role in COVID-19, by either preventing virus spread or inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators in airways. Viral, host, and environmental factors may affect the effectiveness of this therapeutic approach to a various extent and represent therefore a matter of investigation for future studies.

• Immunology, immunopathogenesis and immunotherapeutics of COVID-19; an overview - Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a "public health emergency of international concern" (PHEIC). The infection is highly contagious, has a high mortality rate, and its pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Pulmonary inflammation with substantial lung damage together with generalized immune dysregulation are major components of COVID-19 pathogenesis. The former component, lung damage, seems...

• Human endeavor for anti-SARS-CoV-2 pharmacotherapy: A major strategy to fight the pandemic - The global spread of COVID-19 constitutes the most dangerous pandemic to emerge during the last one hundred years. About seventy-nine million infections and more than 1.7 million death have been reported to date, along with destruction of the global economy. With the uncertainty evolved by alarming level of genome mutations, coupled with likelihood of generating only a short lived immune response by the vaccine injections, the identification of antiviral drugs for direct therapy is the need of...

• The race to treat COVID-19: Potential therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 - The unforeseen emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at the Wuhan province of China in December 2019, subsequently its abrupt spread across the world has severely affected human life. In a short span of time, COVID-19 has sacked more than one million human lives and marked as a severe global pandemic, which is drastically accountable for the adverse effect directly to the human society, particularly the health care system...

From Patent Search

• COVID-19 CLASSIFICATION RECOGNITION METHOD BASED ON CT IMAGES OF LUNGS - - link

• A traditional Chinese medicine composition for COVID-19 and/or influenza and preparation method thereof - - link

• Covid 19 - Chewing Gum - - link

• STOCHASTIC MODEL METHOD TO DETERMINE THE PROBABILITY OF TRANSMISSION OF NOVEL COVID-19 - The present invention is directed to a stochastic model method to assess the risk of spreading the disease and determine the probability of transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). - link

• Fahrzeuglüftungssystem und Verfahren zum Betreiben eines solchen Fahrzeuglüftungssystems -

  Die Erfindung betrifft ein Fahrzeuglüftungssystem (1) zum Belüften einer Fahrgastzelle (2) eines Fahrzeugs (3), mit einem Umluftpfad (5). Die Erfindung ist gekennzeichnet durch eine wenigstens abschnittsweise in einen Umluftansaugbereich (4) des Umluftpads (5) hineinreichende Sterilisationseinrichtung (6), wobei die Sterilisationseinrichtung (6) dazu eingerichtet ist von einem aus der Fahrgastzelle (2) entnommenen Luftstrom getragene Schadstoffe zu inaktivieren und/oder abzutöten.

• link

• The use of human serum albumin (HSA) and Cannabigerol (CBG) as active ingredients in a composition for use in the treatment of Coronavirus (Covid-19) and its symptoms - - link

• The use of human serum albumin (HSA) and Cannabigerol (CBG) as active ingredients in a composition for use in the treatment of Coronavirus (Covid-19) and its symptoms - - link

• "AYURVEDIC PROPRIETARY MEDICINE FOR TREATMENT OF SEVERWE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME CORONAVIRUS 2 (SARS-COV-2." - AbstractAyurvedic Proprietary Medicine for treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)In one of the aspect of the present invention it is provided that Polyherbal combinations called Coufex (syrup) is prepared as Ayurvedic Proprietary Medicine , Aqueous Extracts Mixing with Sugar Syrup form the following herbal aqueous extract coriandrum sativum was used for the formulation of protek.Further another Polyherbal combination protek as syrup is prepared by the combining an aqueous extract of the medicinal herbs including Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica, Aegle marmelos, Zingiber officinale, Ocimum sanctum, Adatoda zeylanica, Piper lingum, Andrographis panivulata, Coriandrum sativum, Tinospora cordiofolia, cuminum cyminum,piper nigrum was used for the formulation of Coufex. - link

• Mund-Nasen-Bedeckung -

  Mund-Nasen-Bedeckung (1), wobei die Mund-Nasen-Bedeckung (1) mindestens an einem Ohr eines Trägers magnetisch befestigbar ist.

• link

• Haptens, hapten conjugates, compositions thereof and method for their preparation and use - A method for performing a multiplexed diagnostic assay, such as for two or more different targets in a sample, is described. One embodiment comprised contacting the sample with two or more specific binding moieties that bind specifically to two or more different targets. The two or more specific binding moieties are conjugated to different haptens, and at least one of the haptens is an oxazole, a pyrazole, a thiazole, a nitroaryl compound other than dinitrophenyl, a benzofurazan, a triterpene, a urea, a thiourea, a rotenoid, a coumarin, a cyclolignan, a heterobiaryl, an azo aryl, or a benzodiazepine. The sample is contacted with two or more different anti-hapten antibodies that can be detected separately. The two or more different anti-hapten antibodies may be conjugated to different detectable labels. - link