Microplastics harm human health. Therefore, the present study assessed the knowledge and attitude of university students towards reducing microplastic use and examined their zero-waste behaviors. Our results lay the foundation for program development aimed at promoting zero-waste activities. The study was conducted from August 20, 2021, to September 10, 2021, including students at a university in G metropolitan city. Questions were developed to verify how the use of disposables and the knowledge, attitude, and behaviors related to zero-waste were affected after the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey was conducted with 197 students, and the data of 196 students were analyzed. Family type (β=0.146, p=0.042) and usage of disposables (β=0.158, p=0.049) were the factors affecting zero-waste behavior in Model
BACKGROUND Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, testing individuals remains a key action. One approach to rapid testing is to consider the olfactory capacities of trained detection dogs. METHODS Prospective cohort study in two community COVID-19 screening centers. Two nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS), one saliva and one sweat samples were simultaneously collected. The dog handlers (and the dogs) were blinded with regards to the Covid status. The diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection by canine olfaction was assessed as compared to nasopharyngeal RT-PCR as the reference standard, saliva RT-PCR and nasopharyngeal antigen testing. RESULTS 335 ambulatory adults (143 symptomatic and 192 asymptomatic) were included. Overall, 109/335 participants tested positive on nasopharyngeal RT-PCR either in symptomatic (78/143) or in asymptomatic participants (31/192). The overall sensitivity of canine detection was 97% (95% CI, 92 to 99) and even reached 100% (95% CI, 89 to 100) in asymptomatic individuals compared to NPS RT-PCR. The specificity was 91% (95% CI, 72 to 91), reaching 94% (95% CI, 90 to 97) for asymptomatic individuals. The sensitivity of canine detection was higher than that of nasopharyngeal antigen testing (97% CI: 91 to 99 versus 84% CI: 74 to 90, p=0.006), but the specificity was lower (90% CI: 84 to 95 versus 97% CI: 93 to 99, p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS Non-invasive detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection by canine olfaction could be one alternative to NPS RT-PCR when it is necessary to obtain a result very quickly according to the same indications as antigenic tests in the context of mass screening.
The scale and duration of neutralizing antibody responses targeting SARS-CoV-2 viral variants represents a critically important serological parameter that predicts protective immunity for COVID-19. In this study, we present longitudinal data illustrating the impact of age, sex and comorbidities on the kinetics and strength of vaccine-induced neutralizing antibody responses for key variants in an Asian volunteer cohort. We demonstrate a reduction in neutralizing antibody titres across all groups six months post-vaccination and show a marked reduction in the serological binding and neutralizing response targeting Omicron compared to other viral variants. We also highlight the increase in cross-protective neutralizing antibody responses against Omicron induced by a third dose (booster) of vaccine. These data illustrate how key virological factors such as immune escape mutation combined with host factors such as age and sex of the vaccinated individuals influence the strength and duration of cross-protective serological immunity for COVID-19.
We describe our analyses of data from over 52 million people in England and Wales, representing near-complete coverage of the relevant population, to assess the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination. A self-controlled case series (SCCS) design has previously reported increased risk of myocarditis after first doses of ChAdOx1, BNT162b2, and mRNA-1273 vaccinations and after second doses of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations in England. Here, we use a cohort design to estimate hazard ratios for hospitalised or fatal myocarditis/pericarditis and excess events after first and second doses of BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 vaccinations. SCCS and cohort designs are subject to different assumptions and biases and therefore provide the opportunity for triangulation of evidence. In contrast to the findings from the SCCS approach previously reported for England, we found evidence of lower incidence of hospitalised or fatal myocarditis/pericarditis after first dose ChAdOx1 and BNT162b2 vaccination.
Background Post COVID-19 Condition (PCC) as defined by WHO refers to a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems experienced by COVID-19 survivors, and represents a rapidly emerging public health priority. We aimed to establish how this developing condition has impacted patients in South Africa and which population groups are at risk. Methods In this prospective cohort study, participants ≥18 years who had been hospitalised with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection during the second and third wave between December 2020 and August 2021 underwent telephonic follow- up assessment up at one-month and three-months after hospital discharge. Participants were assessed using a standardised questionnaire for the evaluation of symptoms, functional status, health-related quality of life and occupational status. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with PCC. Findings In total, 1,873 of 2,413 (78%) enrolled hospitalised COVID-19 participants were followed up at three-months after hospital discharge. Participants had a median age of 52 years (IQR 41-62) and 960 (51.3%) were women. At three-months follow-up, 1,249 (66.7%) participants reported one or more persistent COVID-related symptom(s), compared to 1,978/2,413 (82.1%) at one-month post-hospital discharge. The most common symptoms reported were fatigue (50.3%), shortness of breath (23.4%), confusion or lack of concentration (17.5%), headaches (13.8%) and problems seeing/blurred vision (10.1%). On multivariable analysis, factors associated with new or persistent symptoms following acute COVID-19 were age ≥65 years [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.62; 95%confidence interval (CI) 1.00-2.61]; female sex (aOR 2.00; 95% CI 1.51-2.65); mixed ethnicity (aOR 2.15; 95% CI 1.26-3.66) compared to black ethnicity; requiring supplemental oxygen during admission (aOR 1.44; 95% CI 1.06-1.97); ICU admission (aOR 1.87; 95% CI 1.36-2.57); pre-existing obesity (aOR 1.44; 95% CI 1.09-1.91); and the presence of ≥4 acute symptoms (aOR 1.94; 95% CI 1.19-3.15) compared to no symptoms at onset. Interpretation The majority of COVID-19 survivors in this cohort of previously hospitalised participants reported persistent symptoms at three-months from hospital discharge, as well as a significant impact of PCC on their functional and occupational status. The large burden of PCC symptoms identified in this study emphasises the need for a national health strategy. This should include the development of clinical guidelines and training of health care workers, in identifying, assessing and caring for patients affected by PCC, establishment of multidisciplinary national health services, and provision of information and support to people who suffer from PCC.
As part of our ongoing prospective seroprevalence study, we assessed the SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination-induced immunity of 697 hospital workers at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf between January 17 and 31, 2022. The overall prevalence of anti-NC-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies indicating prior infection was 9.8% (n=68) and thus lower than the seroprevalence in the general population in Hamburg. At the current study visit, 99.3% (n=692) had received at least one vaccine dose and 93.1% (n=649) had received at least three vaccine doses. All vaccinated individuals had detectable anti-S1-RBD-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (median AU/ml [IQR]: 13.891 [8.505 to 23.543]), indicating strong protection against severe COVID-19. In addition, we show that individuals who received three COVID-19 vaccine doses (median AU/ml [IQR]: 13.856 [8.635 to 22.705]), and those who resolved a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and received two COVID-19 vaccine doses (median AU/ml [IQR] 13.409 [6.934 to 25.000]) exhibited the strongest humoral immune responses. The low prevalence of anti-NC-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies indicates persistent effectiveness of established infection control interventions in preventing nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission with the delta and omicron viral variants as predominant strains. Our study further indicates that three exposures to the viral spike protein by either SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination are necessary to elicit particularly strong humoral immune responses, which supports current vaccination recommendations.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected over 100 million people causing over 2.4 million deaths over the world, and it is still expanding. Given the urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinical investigation of approved drugs is a promising alternative to find a timely effective treatment. In this randomized trial, we investigated the activity of both oral and aerosolized 13 cis retinoic acid in the treatment of SARS-COV-2 added to standard of care treatment in patients with COVID-19 versus standard of care treatment alone. This was a randomized controlled trial conducted at Kafrelsheikh Universitys Quarantine Hospitals, Egypt. After obtaining informed consent, forty patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were enrolled in the study. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group I; 20 patients received aerosolized and oral 13 cis retinoic acid plus standard of care treatment (13 cis RA group) and Group II; 20 patients received only standard care treatment as a control group. The two groups were age and gender matched. There was no statistically significant difference between them in any of the baseline characteristics or laboratory parameters. The results showed that there was a high significant difference between the two groups regarding intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mortality and improvement (P<0.05). Only 10.52 % of patients in the 13 cis retinoic acid group needed ICU admission compared to 28.57 % in the control arm. There was no mortality in the 13 cis retinoic acid group, whereas about 14.35% were died in the group II. All patients who received 13 cis retinoic acid noticed a high improvement (P<0.001), and the mean value for clinical improvement was 16 days. There was no significant difference regarding the laboratory parameters before and after 14 days of treatment in the group of patients received the standard of care treatment (P=0.66). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed overall mortality was significantly related to the patients age, serum ferritin, C-reactive protein, oxygen saturation, the presence of diabetes mellitus, obesity, and abdominal pain. We conclude that 13 cis retinoic acid is a promising drug in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 infection, when added to the standard of care treatment.
It is widely accepted that individual underlying health conditions contribute to morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19; and by inference population wellness will also contribute to COVID-19 outcomes. In addition, over the last two years the predominant pharmaceutical public health response to COVID-19 has been vaccination momentum (i.e. mass and rapid inoculation campaigns). This paper aims to compare vaccination momentum throughout 2021 and measures of population wellness to estimate the relative impact of each on deaths attributed to COVID-19 across the 50 States of America, plus Washington DC, during 2020 (i.e. the pre-vaccination period) and 2021 (i.e. the vaccination period). Our analysis shows that: (a) COVID-19 rates of death in 2020 are more important, and statistically more significant, at predicting rates of death in 2021 than vaccination momentum during 2021; (b) vaccination momentum does not predict the magnitude of change in COVID-19 rates of death between 2020 and 2021; and (c) for several underlying heath and risk factors vaccination momentum is significantly less important than population wellness at predicting COVID-19 rates of death. Of particular interest are our observations that exercise and fruit consumption are 10.1 times more significant at predicting COVID-19 deaths than vaccination momentum, obesity (BMI 30+) is 9.6 times more significant at predicting COVID-19 deaths than vaccination momentum, heart attacks are 4.37 times more significant at predicting COVID-19 deaths than vaccination momentum and smoking is 3.2 times more significant at predicting COVID-19 deaths than vaccination momentum. If medical and health regulators are to deliver a quantum decrease in COVID-19 deaths they must move beyond the overwhelming focus on COVID-19 vaccination. They must have the courage to urge governments and private organisations to mandate greater exercise, weight loss, less junk food, and better nutrition. And a concerted effort at reducing chronic adverse health conditions.
Background: There is growing recognition that COVID-19 does cause cardiac sequelae. The underlying mechanisms involved are still poorly understood to date. Viral infections, including COVID-19, have been hypothesized to contribute to autoimmunity, by exposing previously hidden cryptic epitopes on damaged cells to an activated immune system Given the high incidence of cardiac involvement seen in COVID-19, our aim was to determine the frequency of anti-DSG2 antibodies in a population of post COVID-19 patients. Methods and Results: 300 convalescent serum samples were obtained from a group of post COVID-19 infected patients from October 2020 to February 2021. 154 samples were drawn 6 months post-COVID-19 infection and 146 samples were drawn 9 months post COVID infection. 17 samples were obtained from the same patient at the 6- and 9-month mark. An electrochemiluminescent-based immunoassay utilizing the extracellular domain of DSG2 for antibody capture was used. The mean signal intensity of anti-DSG2 antibodies in the post COVID-19 samples was significantly higher than that of a healthy control population (19+/-83.2 vs. 2.1+/-6.8, P value <0.001). Of note, 29.3% of the post COVID-19 infection samples demonstrated a signal higher than the 90th percentile of the control population and 8.7% were higher than the median found in ARVC patients. The signal intensity between the 6-month and 9-month samples did not differ significantly. Conclusions: We report for the first time that recovered COVID-19 patients demonstrate significantly higher and sustained levels of anti-DSG2 autoantibodies as compared to a healthy control population, comparable to that of a diagnosed ARVC group.
Sweden as many other countries uses video consultation to increase patients9 access to primary healthcare services particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Working in digital care settings and using new technologies, in this case video consultations, require learning new skills and adoption to new workflow. The aim of this study is to explore nurses’ experience of using video consultation in a digital care setting and its impact on their workflow and communication. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were carried out with registered nurses recruited from a private digital healthcare provider. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using an abductive approach. Nurses9 workflow was modeled, and several categories and subcategories were identified: nurses9 workflow (efficiency, flexibility, and information accessibility); communication (interaction with patients and interprofessional communication); user experience (change and development of the platform, challenges, and combining digital and physical care). Even though providing online care has its limitations, the nurses were positive towards using video consultations.
Recent research underscores the exceptionally young age distribution of Covid-19 deaths in the United States compared with international peers. We show that the high level of Covid mortality at midlife ages (45-64) is deeply intertwined with continuing racial inequality in Covid-19 mortality, which persists even in contexts in which non-white populations might seem to have a survival advantage. We use data from Minnesota, which allows vaccination and mortality rates to be observed with greater age and temporal precision than national data. At midlife ages in Minnesota, Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations were all more highly vaccinated than white populations during the state9s substantial and sustained Delta surge. Yet white mortality rates were lower than those of all other racial groups. These mortality disparities were extreme; during the Delta period, non-white Covid-19 mortality at ages 55-64 was greater than white mortality at 10 years older. This discrepancy between vaccination and mortality patterning by race suggests that, if the current period is a “pandemic of the unvaccinated,” it also remains a “pandemic of the disadvantaged” in ways that can decouple from vaccination rates. This result implies an urgent need to center health equity in the development of Covid-19 policy measures.
Background SARS-CoV-2 viral load and kinetics assessed in serial blood samples from hospitalised COVID-19 patients by RT-PCR are poorly understood. Methods We conducted an observational, prospective case series study in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Clinical outcome data (Intensive Care Unit admission and mortality) were collected from all patients until discharge. Viremia was determined longitudinally during hospitalisation, in plasma and serum samples using two commercial and standardised RT-PCR techniques approved for use in diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. Viral load (copies/mL and log10) was determined with quantitative TaqPath TM COVID-19 test. Results SARS-CoV-2 viremia was studied in 57 hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Persistent viremia (PV) was defined as two or more quantifiable viral loads detected in blood samples (plasma/serum) during hospitalisation. PV was detected in 16 (28%) patients. All of them, except for one who rapidly progressed to death, cleared viremia during hospitalisation. Poor clinical outcome occurred in 62.5% of patients with PV, while none of the negative patients or those with sporadic viremia presented this outcome (p<0.0001). Viral load was significantly higher in patients with PV than in those with Sporadic Viremia (p<0.05). Patients presented PV for a short period of time: median time from admission was 5 days (Range=2-12) and 4.5 days (Range=2-8) for plasma and serum samples, respectively. Similar results were obtained with all RT-PCR assays for both types of samples. Conclusions Detection of persistent SARS-CoV-2 viremia, by real time RT-PCR, expressed as viral load over time, could allow identifying hospitalised COVID-19 patients at risk of poor clinical outcome.
EPIC-Peds: Study of Oral PF-07321332 (Nirmatrelvir)/Ritonavir in Nonhospitalized COVID-19 Pediatric Patients at Risk for Severe Disease - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Drug: nirmatrelvir; Drug: ritonavir
Sponsor: Pfizer
Not yet recruiting
Evaluating Public Health Interventions to Improve COVID-19 Testing Among Underserved Populations - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Behavioral: Public Health Intervention Package
Sponsors: Kathleen Fairfield; MaineHealth
Not yet recruiting
Transcranial Direct Stimulation for Persistent Fatigue Treatment Post-COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Device: Active tDCS; Device: Sham tDCS
Sponsor: Hospital San Carlos, Madrid
Not yet recruiting
COVID-19 Serologic Strategies for Skilled Nursing Facilities - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Other: Cohorting
Sponsors: NYU Langone Health; Brown University; National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Recruiting
Safety, Tolerability and Immunogenicity of Recombinant COVID-19 Vaccine Betuvax-CoV-2 - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Biological: Betuvax-CoV-2; Drug: Placebo
Sponsors: Human Stem Cell Institute, Russia; Betuvax LLC; CEG BIO LLC
Active, not recruiting
Evaluation of Full Versus Fractional Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Given as a Booster for the Prevention of COVID 19 in Adults in Mongolia- Mongolia, Indonesia, Australia Coronavirus (MIACoV). - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Biological: Tozinameran - Standard Dose; Biological: Tozinameran - Fractional Dose
Sponsors: Murdoch Childrens Research Institute; Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations; PATH; The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
Not yet recruiting
Early High-Titre Convalescent Plasma in Clinically Vulnerable Individuals With Mild COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Biological: COVID-19 convalescent and vaccinated plasma; Other: Current standard of care
Sponsors: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besancon; Deutsches Rotes Kreuz DRK-Blutspendedienst Baden-Wurttemberg-Hessen; NHS Blood and Transplant
Not yet recruiting
Nebulised Heparin in Patients With COVID-19 Pneumonia - Condition: COVID-19 Pneumonia
Intervention: Drug: Unfractionated heparin
Sponsor: Lady Reading Hospital, Pakistan
Not yet recruiting
MF59®) and mRNA (MIPSCo-mRNA-RBD-1) Vaccines in Healthy Adults** - Condition: SARS-CoV-2
Interventions: Biological: Adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 beta variant RBD recombinant protein vaccine (DoCo-Pro-RBD-1 + MF59); Biological: SARS-CoV-2 beta variant RBD mRNA vaccine; Other: Normal Saline
Sponsors: University of Melbourne; Southern Star Research
Not yet recruiting
Nutrition and LOComotoric Rehabilitation in Long COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Other: Intervention group
Sponsors:
Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel; Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Not yet recruiting
Immuno-bridging and Broadening Study of a Whole, Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccine BBV152 in Healthy Adults - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Biological: BBV152
Sponsor: Ocugen
Active, not recruiting
Self-Management Interventions for Long-COVID - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Behavioral: Education and Strategies Intervention; Behavioral: Mindfulness Skills Intervention
Sponsors: Toronto Rehabilitation Institute; Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR); University Health Network, Toronto
Recruiting
COVID-19 Hyper Coagulability Care by LLLT - Condition: COVID-19 Pneumonia
Interventions: Radiation: Low level laser Therapy; Other: Circulatory exercises
Sponsor: Cairo University
Recruiting
The BOOSTED (Booster Options Or Switching Tested for Effectiveness and Downsides Study) Trial (COVID-19) - Conditions: COVID-19; Vaccine Reaction; COVID-19 Pandemic
Interventions:
Behavioral: Moderna Booster Vaccine; Behavioral: Pfizer Booster Vaccine
Sponsor:
University of California, San Francisco
Enrolling by invitation
Reparixin as add-on Therapy to Standard of Care to Limit Disease Progression in Adult Patients With COVID-19. - Conditions: COVID-19 Pneumonia; Sars-CoV-2 Infection
Interventions: Drug: Reparixin; Other: Placebo
Sponsor: Dompé Farmaceutici S.p.A
Not yet recruiting
Portable real-time colorimetric LAMP-device for rapid quantitative detection of nucleic acids in crude samples - Loop-mediated isothermal amplification is known for its high sensitivity, specificity and tolerance to inhibiting- substances. In this work, we developed a device for performing real-time colorimetric LAMP combining the accuracy of lab-based quantitative analysis with the simplicity of point-of-care testing. The device innovation lies on the use of a plastic tube anchored vertically on a hot surface while the side walls are exposed to a mini camera able to take snapshots of the colour change in…
B-cell-responses to vaccination with BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 six months after second dose - CONCLUSIONS: While the clinical consequences of decreasing anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers cannot be estimated with certainty, a lowered degree of clinical protection against SARS-CoV-2 is possible. Persistently stronger responses to mRNA-1273 suggest that it might confer greater protection than BNT162b2, even six months after the second vaccination. Both examined vaccinations do not induce ANA within the examined time frame.
Fusion-inhibition peptide broadly inhibits influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 including Delta and Omicron variants - Pandemic influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 variants have posed major global threats to public health. Broad-spectrum antivirals blocking viral entry can be an effective strategy for combating these viruses. Here, we demonstrate a frog- defensin-derived basic peptide (FBP) which broadly inhibits influenza virus by binding to haemagglutinin to block low pH induced HA-mediated fusion and antagonizes endosomal acidification to inhibit influenza virus. Moreover, FBP can bind to SARS-CoV-2 spike to block…
Critical role of nitric oxide in impeding COVID-19 transmission and prevention: a promising possibility - COVID-19 is a serious respiratory infection caused by a beta-coronavirus that is closely linked to SARS. Hypoxemia is a symptom of infection, which is accompanied by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Augmenting supplementary oxygen may not always improve oxygen saturation; reversing hypoxemia in COVID-19 necessitates sophisticated means to promote oxygen transfer from alveoli to blood. Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) has been shown to inhibit the multiplication of the respiratory…
Impact of colchicine on mortality and morbidity in COVID-19: a systematic review - CONCLUSION: Based on the available data, colchicine shall not be recommended to treat COVID-19. Further high-quality and multi-center RCTs are required to assess the meaningful impact of this drug in COVID-19.KEY MESSAGESColchicine, an anti-inflammatory agent has demonstrated anti-viral properties in in-vitro studies by degrading the microtubules, as well as by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.Colchicine has been studied as a potential therapeutic option for COVID-19, with…
Disinfection efficiency test for contaminated surgical mask by using Ozone generator - CONCLUSIONS: This study provided the conditions for using O(3) (500-2000 mg/L) to reduce pathogens and disinfect contaminated surgical masks, which might be applied to reduce the inappropriate usage of reused surgical masks.
Antimicrobial Peptides: A plausible approach for COVID-19 treatment - INTRODUCTION: : Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which emerged as a major public health threat, has affected >400 million people at a global level leading to >5 million mortalities to date. Treatments of COVID-19 are still to be developed as the available therapeutic approaches are not able to combat the virus causing the disease (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; SARS-CoV-2) satisfactorily. However, antiviral peptides (AVPs) have demonstrated prophylactic and therapeutic…
SARS-CoV-2 Infection Induces Ferroptosis of Sinoatrial Node Pacemaker Cells - CONCLUSIONS: Using a hamster model, we showed that primary pacemaker cells in the heart can be infected by SARS-CoV-2. Infection of hESC-derived functional SAN-like pacemaker cells demonstrates ferroptosis as a potential mechanism for causing cardiac arrhythmias in patients with COVID-19. Finally, we identified candidate drugs that can protect the SAN cells from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication by zinc gluconate in combination with hinokitiol - The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is currently the major challenge to global public health. Two proteases, papain-like protease (PLpro) and the 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro or Mpro), are indispensable for SARS-CoV-2 replication, making them attractive targets for antiviral therapy development. Here we screened a panel of essential metal ions using a proteolytic assay and identified that zinc gluconate, a widely-used zinc supplement, strongly…
Comparative 6-Month Wild-Type and Delta-Variant Antibody Levels and Surrogate Neutralization for Adults Vaccinated with BNT162b2 versus mRNA-1273 - While mRNA vaccines are highly efficacious against short-term COVID-19, long-term immunogenicity is less clear. We compared humoral immunogenicity between BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines 6 months after the first vaccine dose, examining the wild-type strain and multiple Delta-variant lineages. Using samples from a prospective observational cohort study of adult paramedics, we included COVID-19-negative participants who received two BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 vaccines, and provided a blood sample 170…
Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation of Natural Phenolic Compounds with GSK-3beta: A Putative Target to Combat Mortality in Patients with COVID-19 - CONCLUSION: The results of the current study may be useful in the prevention of several human disorders, including COVID-19, cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. However, wet-lab experiments need to be performed in the future.
Neem and Turmeric in the management of Covid Associated Mucormycosis (CAM) derived through network pharmacology - Mucormycosis or ‘Black Fungus’ has been known to target immunocompromised individuals even before the emergence of COVID-19. Nevertheless, the present circumstances provide the best opening for Covid Associated Mucormycosis (CAM), as the global pandemic is engulfing a large part of human population making them immunocompromised. This drastic increase in Mucormycosis infections has to be addressed as early as possible. There is a growing tendency of relying upon herbal drugs that have minimal…
Blocking SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant (B.1.617.2) Spike Protein Receptor-Binding Domain Binding with the ACE2 Receptor of the Host Cell and Inhibiting Virus Infections Using Human Host Defense Peptide-Conjugated Graphene Quantum Dots - The emergence of double mutation delta (B.1.617.2) variants has dropped vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although COVID-19 is responsible for more than 5.4 M deaths till now, more than 40% of infected individuals are asymptomatic carriers as the immune system of the human body can control the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Herein, we report for the first time that human host defense neutrophil α-defensin HNP1 and human cathelicidin LL-37 peptide-conjugated graphene quantum dots (GQDs)…
Evaluation of RevX solution extract as a potential inhibitor of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2-In vitro study and molecular docking - The main protease (M^(pro)) of SARS-CoV-2 is a protease necessary for viral polyprotein processing and maturation. M^(pro) cleaves the polypeptide sequence after the glutamine residues. There is no known cellular protease with this substrate specificity in humans; therefore, it is considered an attractive drug target. Previously, fermented sorghum extract RevX (trademark of Revolutrx INC.) solution significantly alleviated physical decline and complications in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma,…
Oxysterols as Reliable Markers of Quality and Safety in Cholesterol Containing Food Ingredients and Products - Cholesterol is a lipid of high nutritional value that easily undergoes oxidation through enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways, leading to a wide variety of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs), more commonly named oxysterols. The major oxysterols found in animal products are 7α-hydroxycholesterol, 7β-hydroxycholesterol, 7-ketocholesterol, 5α,6α-epoxycholesterol, 5β,6β-epoxycholesterol, cholestan-3β,5α,6β-triol, and 25-hydroxycholesterol. They are all produced by cholesterol autoxidation, thus…
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
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
FORMULATIONS AND METHOD FOR PREPARATION OF HERBAL MEDICATED TRANSPARENT SOAP - ABSTRACTFORMULATIONS AND METHOD FOR PREPARATION OF HERBAL MEDICATED TRANSPARENT SOAPThe present invention provides formulations for herbal medicated transparent soaps and method of preparation of the same. Transparent soaps are prepared by saponification of mixture of non-edible oils to get the desired consistency and cleaning action. Nonvolatile alcohols and other transparency promoters are used to get good transparency and binding properties. Herbal extracts of different herbs are added to get medicated properties. - link
一种丙型肝炎及新冠药物中间体及其盐的制备方法 - 本发明涉及药物合成技术领域，尤其是一种丙型肝炎及新冠药物中间体及其盐的制备方法，所述制备方法包括以下步骤：步骤一：将式IV化合物溶于溶剂中，与2‑重氮丙烷加成或与2，2‑二卤代丙烷在金属试剂作用下反应，并经过后续处理提纯后得到式V化合物；步骤二：步骤一制得的式V化合物分散于溶剂中，脱保护得到的式I化合物即(1R,2S,5S)‑6,6‑二甲基‑3‑氮杂双环[3,1,0]己基‑2‑羧酸酯；本发明所述的合成方法相较于以往的报道，具有较短的反应步骤，原料易得，反应条件简单，生产耗时短，具有更低的生产成本。 - link
SOCIAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR MOBILE ROBOTS IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT TECHNOLOGY - The emergency department (ED) is a safety-critical environment in which healthcare workers (HCWs) are overburdened, overworked, and have limited resources, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. One way to address this problem is to explore the use of robots that can support clinical teams, e.g., to deliver materials or restock supplies. However, due to EDs being overcrowded, and the cognitive overload HCWs experience, robots need to understand various levels of patient acuity so they avoid disrupting care delivery. In this invention, we introduce the Safety-Critical Deep Q-Network (SafeDQN) system, a new acuity-aware navigation system for mobile robots. SafeDQN is based on two insights about care in EDs: high-acuity patients tend to have more HCWs in attendance and those HCWs tend to move more quickly. We compared SafeDQN to three classic navigation methods, and show that it generates the safest, quickest path for mobile robots when navigating in a simulated ED environment. We hope this work encourages future exploration of social robots that work in safety-critical, human-centered environments, and ultimately help to improve patient outcomes and save lives. Figure 1. - link
一种新型冠状病毒核酸纯化试剂及纯化方法 - 本发明公开了一种新型冠状病毒核酸纯化试剂及纯化方法，属于核酸纯化技术领域，核酸纯化试剂包括包覆有硒代赖氨酸改性壳聚糖的纳米磁珠、结合液、洗涤I液、洗涤II液和洗脱液。纯化方法包括，将待纯化样本、磁珠和结合液加入离心管中，混匀，磁分离，弃上清；将离心管中加入洗涤I液，清洗，磁分离，吸净管盖及管底的残液；将离心管中加入洗涤II液，清洗，磁分离，吸净管盖及管底的残液；将离心管中加入洗脱液，60‑70℃下放置10‑15min，每隔1‑2min轻摇混匀，磁分离，小心吸取上清液至新的离心管中，放入‑20℃冰箱保存。本发明方法纯化过程快速、结果准确、精密度高，能够提高核酸纯化的产量、纯度、重复性和稳定性。 - link
一种CRISPR级联核酸检测系统及其检测方法与应用 - 本发明提供的一种CRISPR级联核酸检测系统及其检测方法与应用，利用Cas12酶和Cas13酶的活性，与待测靶标核酸序列互补的13‑crRNA引导Cas13酶特异性结合待测靶标核酸序列，引发级联辅助探针被Cas13酶反式切割，释放的Trigger
ssDNA能够与12‑crRNA碱基互补配对，引发荧光检测探针被Cas12酶反式切割，之后产生可检测信号。所述的检测方法具有靶标特异性结合、非特异性切割活性的特点。应用该方法可以直接检测单链RNA靶标及靶标对应的多个检测位点，依靠CRISPR‑Cas系统级联即可在无需扩增的条件下实现“aM级(10‑18mol/L)”的核酸检测，具有极高的灵敏度；而且，该方法在检测靶标的设计上灵活性高，检测所需时长较短，无需扩增步骤，成本低廉，操作简便，可以实现“核酸进‑结果出”的闭管检测。 - link