Covid-19 Sentry

Contents

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

From Preprints

• Limited intestinal inflammation despite diarrhea, fecal viral RNA and SARS-CoV-2-specific IgA in patients with acute COVID-19 -

  We sought to characterize the role of the gastrointestinal immune system in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory response associated with COVID-19. We measured cytokines, inflammatory markers, viral RNA, microbiome composition and antibody responses in stool from a cohort of 44 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in stool of 41% of patients and more frequently in patients with diarrhea. Patients who survived had lower fecal viral RNA than those who died. Strains isolated from stool and nasopharynx of an individual were the same. Compared to uninfected controls, COVID-19 patients had higher fecal levels of IL-8 and lower levels of fecal IL-10. Stool IL-23 was higher in patients with more severe COVID-19 disease, and we found evidence of intestinal virus-specific IgA responses associated with more severe disease. We provide evidence for an ongoing humeral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in the gastrointestinal tract, but little evidence of overt inflammation.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Limited intestinal inflammation despite diarrhea, fecal viral RNA and SARS-CoV-2-specific IgA in patients with acute COVID-19
• We distance most when our close circle does, not when we think we should -
  Why do we adopt new rules, such as social distancing? Although human sciences research stresses the key role of social influence in behaviour change, most COVID-19 campaigns emphasise the disease’s medical threat. In a global dataset (n= 6675), we investigated how social influences predict people’s adherence to distancing rules during the pandemic. Bayesian regression analyses controlling for stringency of local measures showed that people distanced most when they thought their close social circle did. Such social influence mattered more than people thinking distancing was the right thing to do. People’s adherence also aligned with their fellow citizens’, but only if they felt deeply bonded with their country. Self-vulnerability to the disease predicted distancing more for people with larger social circles. Collective efficacy and collectivism also significantly predicted distancing. To achieve behavioural change during crises, policymakers must emphasise shared values and harness the social influence of close friends and family.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: We distance most when our close circle does, not when we think we should
• The Efficacy of Plant-ionizers in Removing Aerosols for COVID-19 Mitigation -
  Small size droplets/aerosols are believed to be potentially responsible for COVID-19 transmission in addition to large droplets and surface contamination (fomites). While large droplets and surface contamination can be relatively easier to deal with (i.e. using mask and proper hygiene measures), aerosols present a different challenge due to their ability to remain airborne for a long time. This calls for mitigation measures that can rapidly eliminate the airborne aerosols. Pre-COVID-19, an air ionizer has been touted as an effective tool to eliminate small particulates such as these. In this work, we sought to evaluate the efficacy of a novel plant-based air ionizers in eliminating aerosols. It was found that factors such as the ion concentration, humidity, and ventilation can drastically affect the aerosols removal efficacy. Furthermore, the aerosols removal rate was quantified in terms of ACH (air changes per hour)-equivalent unit, with ACH as high as 12 being achieved by using deploying a plant-based air ionizer in a small isolated office room. Lastly, this work provides an important and timely guidance on the effective deployment of plant ionizers in minimizing the risk of COVID-19 spread via airborne aerosols, especially in poorly-ventilated environment.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: The Efficacy of Plant-ionizers in Removing Aerosols for COVID-19 Mitigation
• Positive correlation between long term emission of several air pollutants and COVID-19 deaths in Sweden -

  Several recent studies have found troubling links between air pollution and both incidence and mortality of COVID-19, the pandemic disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. Here, we investigate whether such a link can be found also in Sweden, a country with low population density and a relatively good air quality in general, with low background levels of important pollutants such as PM2.5 and NO2. The investigation is carried out by relating normalized emission levels of several air pollutants to normalized COVID-19 deaths at the municipality level, after applying a sieve function using an empirically determined threshold value to filter out noise. We find a fairly strong correlation for PM2.5, PM10 and SO2, and a moderate one for NOx. We find no correlation neither for CO, nor (as expected) for CO2. Our results are statistically significant and the calculations are simple and easily verifiable. Since the study considers only emission levels of air pollutants and not measurements of air quality, climatic and meteorological factors (such as average wind speeds) can trivially be ruled out as confounders. Finally, we also show that although there are small positive correlations between population density and COVID-19 deaths in the studied municipalities (which are for the most part rural and non densely populated) they are either weak or not statistically significant.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Positive correlation between long term emission of several air pollutants and COVID-19 deaths in Sweden
• Short Research Report: Does Playing Apart Really Bring us Together? Investigating the Link Between Perceived Loneliness and the Use of Video Games During the COVID-19 Pandemic. -
  During the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries implemented social distancing measures to contain virus transmission. However, these vital safety measures have the potential to impair mental health or well-being, for instance, from increased perceived loneliness. Playing social video games may offer a way to continue to socialize while adhering to social distancing measures. To examine this issue further, the present online survey investigated social gaming during the pandemic and its association to perceived loneliness within a German-speaking sample. Results indicated a small positive correlation between general gaming frequency and perceived loneliness. Detailed analysis revealed a negative association between perceived loneliness and increased social forms of video gaming. Specifically, gamers with more social motive for gaming perceived less loneliness, but gamers with a dominant escape motive demonstrated a positive link to perceived loneliness. The use of social gaming in times of social distancing seems to play a small but significant factor in perceived loneliness compared to other demographical data. The findings are discussed with respect to methodological limitations, effect sizes, and sample characteristics. The results enrich the current knowledge on video gaming and its link to social well-being and provide a more nuanced picture than simplistic investigations of screen time.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Short Research Report: Does Playing Apart Really Bring us Together? Investigating the Link Between Perceived Loneliness and the Use of Video Games During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
• Exploratory neuroimmune profiling identifies CNS-specific alterations in COVID-19 patients with neurological involvement -
  One third of COVID-19 patients develop significant neurological symptoms, yet SARS-CoV-2 is rarely detected in central nervous system (CNS) tissue, suggesting a potential role for parainfectious processes, including neuroimmune responses. We therefore examined immune parameters in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples from a cohort of patients with COVID-19 and significant neurological complications. We found divergent immunological responses in the CNS compartment, including increased levels of IL-12 and IL-12-associated innate and adaptive immune cell activation. Moreover, we found increased proportions of B cells in the CSF relative to the periphery and evidence of clonal expansion of CSF B cells, suggesting a divergent intrathecal humoral response to SARS-CoV-2. Indeed, all COVID-19 cases examined had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in the CSF whose target epitopes diverged from serum antibodies. We directly examined whether CSF resident antibodies target self-antigens and found a significant burden of CNS autoimmunity, with the CSF from most patients recognizing neural self-antigens. Finally, we produced a panel of monoclonal antibodies from patients CSF and show that these target both anti-viral and anti-neural antigens, including one mAb specific for the spike protein that also recognizes neural tissue. This exploratory immune survey reveals evidence of a compartmentalized and self-reactive immune response in the CNS meriting a more systematic evaluation of neurologically impaired COVID-19 patients.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Exploratory neuroimmune profiling identifies CNS-specific alterations in COVID-19 patients with neurological involvement
• CD209L/L-SIGN and CD209/DC-SIGN act as receptors for SARS-CoV-2 and are differentially expressed in lung and kidney epithelial and endothelial cells -
  As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, investigating the processes underlying the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and its hosts is of high importance. Here, we report the identification of CD209L/L-SIGN and the related protein CD209/DC-SIGN as receptors capable of mediating SARS-CoV-2 entry into human cells. Immunofluorescence staining of human tissues revealed prominent expression of CD209L in the lung and kidney epithelium and endothelium. Multiple biochemical assays using a purified recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (S-RBD) and ectopically expressed CD209L and CD209 revealed that CD209L and CD209 interact with S-RBD. CD209L contains two N-glycosylation sequons, at sites N92 and N361, but only site N92 is occupied. Removal of the N-glycosylation at this site enhances the binding of S-RBD with CD209L. CD209L also interacts with ACE2, suggesting a role for heterodimerization of CD209L and ACE2 in SARS-CoV-2 entry and infection in cell types where both are present. Furthermore, we demonstrate that human endothelial cells are permissive to SARS-CoV-2 infection and interference with CD209L activity by knockdown strategy or with soluble CD209L inhibits virus entry. Our observations demonstrate that CD209L and CD209 serve as alternative receptors for SARS-CoV-2 in disease-relevant cell types, including the vascular system. This property is particularly important in tissues where ACE2 has low expression or is absent, and may have implications for antiviral drug development.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: CD209L/L-SIGN and CD209/DC-SIGN act as receptors for SARS-CoV-2 and are differentially expressed in lung and kidney epithelial and endothelial cells
• Who does or does not use the “Corona-Warn-App” and why? -
  To slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the German government released the “Corona-Warn-App”, a smartphone application that warns users if they have come into contact with other users tested posi- tive for SARS-CoV-2. Since using the “Corona-Warn-App” is health-relevant behavior, it is essential to understand who is (and who is not) using it and why. In N = 1,972 German adults, we found that non-users were on average older, female, healthier, in training, and had low general trust in others. Most frequently named reasons by non-users were privacy concerns, doubts about the effectiveness of the app, and lack of technical equipment.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Who does or does not use the “Corona-Warn-App” and why?
• Big Five traits, approach-avoidance motivation, concerns and adherence with COVID-19 prevention guidelines during peak of pandemics in Croatia -
  Without the vaccine, only way to prevent the spread of coronavirus is following COVID-19 preventive guidelines such as keeping social distance, wearing masks and gloves, reducing mobility, etc. Success depends on how many individuals strictly follow the suggestions from epidemiologists. In this study we examine who and why is adhering with the guidelines. A community sample of 500 participants fulfilled short Big Five Inventory, Questionnaire of Approach and Avoidance Motivation (QAAM) and two scales constructed according to the COVID-19 epidemiological guidelines in Croatia. The results of hierarchical regression analysis indicate that agreeable and conscientious individuals are complying more with preventive measures. In addition, approach, not avoidance, motivation appears to be more important in following the guidelines. Results are discussed in terms of framing messages to explain goals that might be reached by compliant behaviour rather than emphasizing negative consequences of pandemic as such messages seem to produce negative emotional states with no beneficial changes on the behavioural level.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Big Five traits, approach-avoidance motivation, concerns and adherence with COVID-19 prevention guidelines during peak of pandemics in Croatia
• Role of favipiravir in the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe COVID-19: a single-center, prospective, observational, sequential cohort study from Hungary -

  Background: Preliminary data suggests that favipiravir (FVP) might have a role in COVID-19 treatment. Methods: A single-center, prospective, observational, sequential cohort study was performed among consecutive adults hospitalized with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 between March-July,2020. Patients were screened for inclusion by a priori criteria, and were included in the favipiravir cohort if standard-of-care (SOC)+FVP, or the non-favipiravir group if SOC+other antiviral medications without FVP were administered for >48 hours. Treatment allocation was done per national guidelines. For COVID-19 diagnosis and severity, ECDC and WHO definitions were utilized, and daily per protocol hospital follow-up was done. Primary composite end-point was disease progression (14-day all-cause death, need for mechanical ventilation, or immunomodulatory therapy). For statistical comparison, Fisher9s exact test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used. Results: In all, 75 patients were included per cohort. In the FVP cohort, chronic heart disease (36/75, 48.0% vs. 16/75, 21.3%, p<0.01) and diabetes mellitus (23/75, 30.7% vs. 10/75, 13.3%, p<0.01) were more prevalent, hospital LOS (18.5+/-15.5 days vs. 13.0+/-8.5 days, p<0.01) was higher. Disease progression (17/75, 22.7% vs. 10/75, 13.3%, p=0.13), 14-day all-cause death (9/75, 12.0% vs. 10/75, 13.3%, p=0.8) and need for mechanical ventillation (8/75, 10.7% vs. 4/75, 5.3%, p=0.22) were similar between groups. Immunomodulatory therapies were administered frequently among patients receiving FVP (10/75, 13.3% vs. 1/75, 1.3%, p<0.01). Conclusions: In this study, favipiravir did not seem to affect disease progression. Further data are needed to position this drug among the anti-SARS-CoV-2 armamentarium.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Role of favipiravir in the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe COVID-19: a single-center, prospective, observational, sequential cohort study from Hungary
• Ignoring the elephant in the room: factors contributing to inadequate access to condoms and sources of condoms during novel coronavirus diseases 2019 in South Africa. -

  Evidence has shown that the prescribed lockdown and physical distancing due to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have made accessing essential health care services much difficult in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Access to contraception is essential and should not be denied, even in a global crisis, because it is associated with several health benefits. It is paramount to maintain timely access to contraception without unnecessary barriers. Hence, this study examines the factors contributing to limited access to condoms and sources of condoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa (SA).The first secondary dataset on coronavirus from the National Income Dynamic Study (NIDS) conducted in SA during the coronavirus pandemic was employed in this study. This study involved 4,517 respondents. Data were analysed using frequency analysis, chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis. Almost one-quarter of South Africans could not access condoms, and every 7 in 10 South Africans preferred public or government hospitals as a source of condoms. Female South Africans (aOR=0.86; 95% CI=0.69-1.08), those aged 35-45 (aOR=0.96; 95% CI=0.73-1.28) and those residing in KwaZulu-Natal province (aOR=0.30; 95% CI=0.17-0.52) were 14%, 4% and 70% respectively less likely to have access to condoms during the COVID-19 lockdown. Findings from the study suggest strategies and interventions that will be tailored towards non-obstruction of contraception access during the on-going COVID-19 or any future pandemic. Moreover, special consideration should be given to certain provinces, the uneducated and those in the 4th quintile of wealth-income in South Africa.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Ignoring the elephant in the room: factors contributing to inadequate access to condoms and sources of condoms during novel coronavirus diseases 2019 in South Africa.
• Estimating the burden of COVID-19 on mortality, life expectancy and lifespan inequality in England and Wales: A population-level study -

  Background: Deaths directly linked to COVID-19 infection may be misclassified, and the pandemic may have indirectly affected other causes of death. To overcome these measurement challenges, we estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality, life expectancy and lifespan inequality from week 10, when the first COVID-19 death was registered, to week 47 ending November 20, 2020 in England and Wales through an analysis of excess mortality. Methods: We estimated age and sex-specific excess mortality risk and deaths above a baseline adjusted for seasonality with a systematic comparison of four different models using data from the Office for National Statistics. We additionally provide estimates of life expectancy at birth and lifespan inequality defined as the standard deviation in age at death. Results: There have been 57,419 (95% Prediction Interval: 54,197, 60,752) excess deaths in the first 47 weeks of 2020, 55% of which occurred in men. Excess deaths increased sharply with age and men experienced elevated risks of death in all age groups. Life expectancy at birth dropped 0.9 and 1.2 years for females and males relative to the 2019 levels, respectively. Lifespan inequality also fell over the same period by five months for both sexes. Conclusion: Quantifying excess deaths and their impact on life expectancy at birth provides a more comprehensive picture of the burden of COVID-19 on mortality. Whether mortality will return to -or even fall below- the baseline level remains to be seen as the pandemic continues to unfold and diverse interventions are put in place.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Estimating the burden of COVID-19 on mortality, life expectancy and lifespan inequality in England and Wales: A population-level study
• Health Signatures During COVID-19: A Precision Fitness Case Study -

  BACKGROUND Stay-at-home orders have proven a controversial, while effective, method of SARS-CoV-2 containment. However objective measures of how the pandemic and stay-at-home orders are affecting the daily health of uninfected individuals have been lacking. METHODS We investigated the effect of pandemic-related events on 61 individuals in San Antonio, Texas whose daily activity and sleep data were recorded via wearable activity trackers from April 2019 to August 2020. We assessed changes in six fitness metrics (steps walked, resting heart rate, sedentary minutes, wake duration after sleep onset, rapid eye movement (REM) duration, total sleep duration). Cluster analysis and time-course analysis identified trends in activity before, after and during stay-at-home orders. Quantitative measures of activities were compared to survey responses. RESULTS Four behavior patterns during stay-at-home orders were identified. Most individuals suffered declines in healthy habits compared to their daily activity in 2019 and early 2020 (e.g., up to −60% steps walked). Inflection points corresponded with key dates relevant to SARS-CoV-2 including the first reported case in the U.S. (Feb 29) and city-wide stay-at-home orders (Mar 23). Pre-existing conditions (diabetes, asthma) were associated with a steeper than average decline in sleep quality during stay-at-home orders. Unexpectedly, we also identified a group of predominately male individuals who improved their daily fitness during stay-at-home orders. CONCLUSIONS Objective measures of daily activity indicated most individuals9 fitness suffered at the onset of stay-at-home orders and slowly returned towards baseline. For a subset of individuals, fitness quantitatively improved - better sleep, more exercise, lower resting heartrate - during stay-at-home orders.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Health Signatures During COVID-19: A Precision Fitness Case Study
• Stress-related emotional and behavioural impact following the first COVID-19 outbreak peak -

  Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses multiple psychologically-stressful challenges and is associated with increased risk for mental illness. Previous studies have mostly focused on the psychopathological symptoms associated with the outbreak peak. Methods: We examined the behavioural and mental health impact of the pandemic in Israel using an online survey. We collected 12,125 responses from 4,933 adult respondents during six weeks encompassing the end of the first outbreak and the beginning of the second. We used clinically validated instruments (Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI-18), Perceived stress scale (PSS), Brief COPE inventory) to assess anxiety- and depression-related emotional distress, symptoms, and coping strategies, as well as questions designed to specifically assess COVID-19-related concerns. Results: Respondents indicated worrying more about the situation in their country and their close ones contracting the virus, than about their own health and financial situation. The reported distress correlates with the number of new COVID-19 cases and higher emotional burden was associated with being female, younger, unemployed, living in low socioeconomic status localities, encountering more people, and experiencing physiological symptoms. Unexpectedly, older age and having a prior medical condition were associated with reduced emotional distress. Conclusions: Our findings show that inequalities in mental-health burden associated with the COVID-19 pandemic are relevant also following the initial outbreak, and highlight the environmental context and its importance in understanding individual ability to cope with the long-term stressful challenges of the pandemic.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Stress-related emotional and behavioural impact following the first COVID-19 outbreak peak
• Characterising long-term covid-19: a rapid living systematic review -

  Objective To understand the frequency, profile, and duration of persistent symptoms of covid-19 and to update this understanding as new evidence emerges. Design: A living systematic review produced in response to the rapidly evolving evidence base for long covid. Data sources Medline and CINAHL (EBSCO), Global Health (Ovid), WHO Global Research Database on covid-19, LitCOVID, and Google Scholar to 28th September 2020. Study selection Studies reporting long-term symptoms and complications among people with confirmed or suspected covid-19, both in those previously hospitalised and those never hospitalised. Only studies incorporating over 100 participants qualified for data extraction and were assessed for risk of bias. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics. Quality assessment Risk of bias was assessed using a quality assessment checklist for prevalence studies. Results Twenty-eight studies qualified for data extraction; 16 of these were cohort studies, ten cross-sectional, and two large case series. The analysis included 9,442 adults with covid-19 from 13 countries. The longest mean follow-up period was 111 (SD: 11) days post-hospital discharge. A wide range of systemic, cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, neurological, and psychosocial symptoms was reported, of which the most common were breathlessness, fatigue, smell and taste disturbance, and anxiety. Persistent symptoms were described across both previously hospitalised and non-hospitalised populations. The quality of evidence was low, with a high risk of bias and heterogeneity in prevalence. The incorporated studies demonstrated limited external validity, a lack of control subjects, and inconsistent data collection methods. Few studies were conducted in primary care, no studies focused solely on children, and no studies were set in low- and middle-income countries. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that long covid is a complex, heterogeneous condition; however, the limited evidence base currently precludes a precise definition of its symptoms and prevalence. There is a clear need for robust, controlled, prospective cohort studies, including different at-risk populations and settings, incorporating appropriate investigations, collected and recorded in a standardised way.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Characterising long-term covid-19: a rapid living systematic review

From Clinical Trials

• Phase II / III Study of COVID-19 DNA Vaccine (AG0302-COVID19) - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Biological: Group A (AG0302-COVID19);   Biological: Group A (Placebo);   Biological: Group B (AG0302-COVID19);   Biological: Group B (Placebo)
  Sponsors:   AnGes, Inc.;   Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
  Recruiting

• Ivermectin for Severe COVID-19 Management - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Drug: Ivermectin
  Sponsors:   Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University;   NeuTec Pharma
  Completed

• Resolving Inflammatory Storm in COVID-19 Patients by Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids - - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: Omegaven®;   Drug: Sodium chloride
  Sponsor:   Karolinska University Hospital
  Recruiting

• The Efficacy, Safety and Immunogenicity Study of Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine for Preventing Against COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Biological: Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero cell);   Biological: Placebo
  Sponsor:   Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
  Not yet recruiting

• Convalescent Plasma Transfusion in Severe COVID-19 Patients in Jamaica - Condition:   COVID-19, Convalescent Plasma Treatment
  Intervention:   Biological: Convalescent Plasma Infusion
  Sponsor:   The University of The West Indies
  Not yet recruiting

• The Protective Potential of Exercise Training on the Cardiopulmonary Morbidity After COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19, SARS-CoV2
  Interventions:   Behavioral: High intensity interval training;   Behavioral: Standard care
  Sponsor:   Rigshospitalet, Denmark
  Not yet recruiting

• Losartan and Spironolactone Treatment for ICU Patients With COVID-19 Suffering From ARDS - Conditions:   COVID-19;   ARDS
  Intervention:   Drug: Losartan 50 mg and Spironolactone 25 mg pillules oral use
  Sponsor:   Assistance Publique Hopitaux De Marseille
  Recruiting

• Convalescent Plasma for Treatment of COVID-19: An Open Randomised Controlled Trial - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Biological: SARS-CoV-2 convalescent plasma;   Other: Standard of care
  Sponsors:   Joakim Dillner;   Karolinska Institutet;   Danderyd Hospital;   Falu Hospital
  Not yet recruiting

• Study to Assess Adverse Events and How Intravenous (IV) ABBV-47D11 Moves Through the Body of Adult Participants Hospitalized With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Condition:   CoronaVirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19)
  Interventions:   Drug: ABBV-47D11;   Drug: Placebo for ABBV-47D11
  Sponsor:   AbbVie
  Not yet recruiting

• Efficacy and Safety of TY027, a Treatment for COVID-19, in Humans - Condition:   Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19)
  Interventions:   Biological: TY027;   Other: 0.9% saline
  Sponsor:   Tychan Pte Ltd.
  Not yet recruiting

• Use of BCG Vaccine as a Preventive Measure for COVID-19 in Health Care Workers - Condition:   COVID 19 Vaccine
  Intervention:   Biological: BCG vaccine
  Sponsors:   Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro;   Ministry of Science and Technology, Brazil
  Recruiting

• At-Home Infusion Using Bamlanivimab in Participants With Mild to Moderate COVID-19 - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Drug: bamlanivimab
  Sponsors:   Daniel Griffin, MD PhD;   Eli Lilly and Company;   Optum, Inc.
  Not yet recruiting

• COVID-19 And Geko Evaluation: The CAGE Study - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Device: geko T3
  Sponsor:   Lawson Health Research Institute
  Not yet recruiting

• A Clinical Safety Study on AT-100 in Treating Adults With Severe COVID-19 Infection - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Biological: AT-100
  Sponsor:   Airway Therapeutics, Inc.
  Not yet recruiting

• A Study of FOY-305 in Patients With SARS-Cov-2 Infection (COVID-19) - Condition:   SARS-CoV-2 Infection (COVID-19)
  Interventions:   Drug: FOY-305;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsor:   Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd
  Recruiting

From PubMed

• A High-Content Screen for Mucin-1-Reducing Compounds Identifies Fostamatinib as a Candidate for Rapid Repurposing for Acute Lung Injury - Drug repurposing has the advantage of identifying potential treatments on a shortened timescale. In response to the pandemic spread of SARS-CoV-2, we took advantage of a high-content screen of 3,713 compounds at different stages of clinical development to identify FDA-approved compounds that reduce mucin-1 (MUC1) protein abundance. Elevated MUC1 levels predict the development of acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and correlate with poor clinical outcomes. Our…

• Molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and in vitro studies reveal the potential of angiotensin II receptor blockers to inhibit the COVID-19 main protease - Drug repurposing is the most rapid and economic way nowadays to rapidly provide effective drugs for our pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It was a great debate about ARBs whether to be stopped or continued for patients using them especially at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we carried out a virtual screening for almost all members of ARBs (nine) against COVID-19 main protease. Molecular docking as one of the important computational techniques was performed in…

• Are losartan and imatinib effective against SARS-CoV2 pathogenesis? A pathophysiologic-based in silico study - Proposing a theory about the pathophysiology of cytokine storm in COVID19, we were to find the potential drugs to treat this disease and to find any effect of these drugs on the virus infectivity through an in silico study. COVID-19-induced ARDS is linked to a cytokine storm phenomenon not explainable solely by the virus infectivity. Knowing that ACE2, the hydrolyzing enzyme of AngII and SARS-CoV2 receptor, downregulates when the virus enters the host cells, we hypothesize that hyperacute AngII…

• A cross-talk between epithelium and endothelium mediates human alveolar-capillary injury during SARS-CoV-2 infection - COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is an acute and rapidly developing pandemic, which leads to a global health crisis. SARS-CoV-2 primarily attacks human alveoli and causes severe lung infection and damage. To better understand the molecular basis of this disease, we sought to characterize the responses of alveolar epithelium and its adjacent microvascular endothelium to viral infection under a co-culture system. SARS-CoV-2 infection caused massive virus replication and dramatic organelles…

• Anti-inflammatory therapy for COVID-19 infection: the case for colchicine - The search for effective COVID-19 management strategies continues to evolve. Current understanding of SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms suggests a central role for exaggerated activation of the innate immune system as an important contributor to COVID-19 adverse outcomes. The actions of colchicine, one of the oldest anti-inflammatory therapeutics, target multiple mechanisms associated with COVID-19 excessive inflammation. While many COVID-19 trials have sought to manipulate SARS-CoV-2 or dampen the…

• Exploring active ingredients and function mechanisms of Ephedra-bitter almond for prevention and treatment of Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on network pharmacology - CONCLUSION: Ephedra-bitter almonds were used to prevent and treat COVID-19 through directly inhibiting the virus, regulating immune responses, and promoting body repair. However, this work is a prospective study based on data mining, and the findings need to be interpreted with caution.

• Metabolism and Interactions of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine with Human Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and Drug Transporters - CONCLUSIONS: Chloroquine caused a statistically significant decrease of P450 2D6 activity in vitro and in vivo, inhibiting also its own metabolism by the enzyme. The inhibition indicates a potential for clinical drug-drug interactions when taken with other drugs that are predominant substrates of the P450 2D6. When chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are used clinically with other drugs, substrates of P450 2D6 enzyme, attention should be given to substrate specific metabolism by P450 2D6 alleles…

• Interrelated Mechanism by Which the Methide Quinone Celastrol, Obtained from the Roots of Tripterygium wilfordii, Inhibits Main Protease 3CL(pro) of COVID-19 and Acts as Superoxide Radical Scavenger - We describe the potential anti coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) action of the methide quinone inhibitor, celastrol. The related methide quinone dexamethasone is, so far, among COVID-19 medications perhaps the most effective drug for patients with severe symptoms. We observe a parallel redox biology behavior between the antioxidant action of celastrol when scavenging the superoxide radical, and the adduct formation of celastrol with the main COVID-19 protease. The related molecular mechanism…

• A comparative analysis for anti-viral drugs: Their efficiency against SARS-CoV-2 - Coronavirus, known as the coronavirus pandemic, is continuing its spread across the world, with over 42 million confirmed cases in 189 countries and more than 1.15 million deaths. Although, scientists focus on the finding novel drugs and vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, there is no certain treatment for it. Antiviral drugs such as; oseltamivir, favipiravir, umifenovir, lopinavir, remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, azithromycin, ascorbic acid, corticosteroids, are mostly used for patients. They…

• Dynamic Chest X-Ray Using a Flat-Panel Detector System: Technique and Applications - Dynamic X-ray (DXR) is a functional imaging technique that uses sequential images obtained by a flat-panel detector (FPD). This article aims to describe the mechanism of DXR and the analysis methods used as well as review the clinical evidence for its use. DXR analyzes dynamic changes on the basis of X-ray translucency and can be used for analysis of diaphragmatic kinetics, ventilation, and lung perfusion. It offers many advantages such as a high temporal resolution and flexibility in body…

• Repurposing potential of FDA approved and investigational drugs for COVID-19 targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike and main protease and validation by machine learning algorithm - The present study aimed to assess the repurposing potential of existing antiviral drug candidates (FDA approved and investigational) against SARS-CoV-2 target proteins that facilitates viral entry and replication into the host body. To evaluate molecular affinities between antiviral drug candidates and SARS-CoV-2 associated target proteins such as spike protein (S) and main protease (M^(pro) ), a molecular interaction simulation was performed using MD software and subsequently the applicability…

• Tracing the Path of Inhaled Nitric Oxide: Biological Consequences of Protein Nitrosylation - Nitric oxide (NO) is a comprehensive regulator of vascular and airway tone. Endogenous NO produced by nitric oxide synthases regulates multiple signaling cascades, including activation of soluble guanylate cyclase to generate cGMP, relaxing smooth muscle cells. Inhaled NO is an established therapy for pulmonary hypertension in neonates, and has been recently proposed for treatment of hypoxic respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19. In this review, we summarize…

• Enhancement of the IFN-beta-induced host signature informs repurposed drugs for COVID-19 - Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a causative agent for the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This global pandemic is now calling for efforts to develop more effective COVID-19 therapies. Here we use a host-directed approach, which focuses on cellular responses to diverse small-molecule treatments, to identify potentially effective drugs for COVID-19. This framework looks at the ability of compounds to elicit a similar transcriptional response to…

• Geranii Herba as a Potential Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Main 3CL(pro), Spike RBD, and Regulation of Unfolded Protein Response: An In Silico Approach - CONCLUSIONS: Hence, the compounds present in Geranii Herba could be used as possible drug candidates for the prevention/treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

• Targeting the RdRp of Emerging RNA Viruses: The Structure-Based Drug Design Challenge - The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is an essential enzyme for the viral replication process, catalyzing the viral RNA synthesis using a metal ion-dependent mechanism. In recent years, RdRp has emerged as an optimal target for the development of antiviral drugs, as demonstrated by recent approvals of sofosbuvir and remdesivir against Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), respectively. In this work, we overview the main sequence and…

From Patent Search

• “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.

• 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.

• 疫苗融合蛋白 - 本申请涉及一种融合蛋白，所述融合蛋白包括SARS‑CoV‑2抗原多肽和鞭毛蛋白或其片段。本申请还提供了所述融合蛋白的制备方法和用途。本申请所述的融合蛋白能够诱导机体产生针对SARS‑CoV类病毒的抗原的细胞免疫反应。

• AN EFFICIENT METHODOLOGY TO MANAGE THE ADMISSIONS IN HOSPITALS DURING THE PANDEMICS SUCH AS COVID 19 -

• 一种SARS-CoV-2假病毒小鼠体内包装系统及其制备方法 - 本发明提供了一种假病毒小鼠体内包装系统的制备方法，包括以下步骤：S1基于慢病毒包装质粒系统和睡美人转座子系统构建SARS‑CoV‑2假病毒包装质粒系统，S2将步骤S1中SARS‑CoV‑2假病毒包装质粒系统与睡美人转座酶表达质粒混合通过水动力注射的方式转染小鼠肝细胞，然后睡美人转座子系统将SARS‑CoV‑2假病毒包装所需序列以剪切粘贴的方式整合到小鼠肝细胞的基因组。本发明可在小鼠体内持续制造分泌SARS‑CoV‑2假病毒，可模拟靶器官被SARS‑CoV‑2病毒持续侵入攻击的过程，从而可模拟出新冠肺炎（COVID‑19）的病理特征。基于SARS‑CoV‑2假病毒小鼠体内包装系统的动物模型安全性高，不需要P3级实验室就能开展研究。利用水动力注射的方式引入SARS‑CoV‑2假病毒包装质粒系统操作简单，成本低。

• 柴胡解毒药物组合物及其制备方法和应用 - 本发明属于中药领域，具体涉及一种柴胡解毒药物组合物及其制备方法和应用，所述柴胡解毒药物组合物以质量份计由如下原料组分制成：柴胡30_{60份，黄芩15}30份，法半夏15_{30份，生姜15}30份，大枣5_{10份，枳实20}40份，大黄10_{20份，桃仁10}20份，白芍15~30份。本发明的柴胡解毒药物组合物能够显著改善普通型COVID‑19引起的咳嗽；能改善疫毒闭肺型重型COVID‑19引起的咳嗽，显著改善疫毒闭肺型重型COVID‑19引起的胸闷、气短和乏力等主要症状。另外经大量临床观察，本发明的柴胡解毒药物组合物能够显著改善疫毒闭肺型重型COVID‑19引起的发热面红，咳嗽，痰黄粘少，或痰中带血，喘憋气促，疲乏倦怠，口干苦粘，大便不畅，小便短赤等症状。

• 一种新型冠状病毒RBD核苷酸序列、优化方法与应用 - 本发明公开了一种新型冠状病毒RBD核苷酸序列、优化方法与应用。属于基因工程技术领域。优化步骤：（1）对野生型新型冠状病毒RBD核苷酸序列进行初步优化；（2）将宿主细胞特异性高表达分泌蛋白信号肽序列进行优化；（3）将人IgG1‑Fc核苷酸序列进行优化；（4）将步骤（2）优化后的宿主细胞特异性高表达分泌蛋白信号肽核苷酸序列、步骤（1）得到的初步优化新型冠状病毒RBD核苷酸序列、连接子核苷酸序列和步骤（3）优化后的人IgG1‑Fc核苷酸序列依次连接即可。与现有技术相比，本发明的有益效果：产生的克隆表达效率比野生新型冠状病毒RBD序列提高了约12倍，比中国仓鼠密码子偏性优化序列克隆表达效率提高了2倍。

• ASSISTING COMPLEX FOR TAKING OF BIOMATERIAL FROM MOUTH IN PANDEMIC CONDITIONS - FIELD: medicine. SUBSTANCE: invention refers to medicine, namely to methods for contactless taking of biomaterial in tested person. Taking the biomaterial in the tested person is carried out in a room located in a dirty zone and separated by a partition from the clean zone, in which there is a laboratory assistant performing the procedure using a robotic complex. Complex includes digital controller, manipulator with tool unit, small manipulator, camera, monitor, control system of digital controller, manipulator, small manipulator, and complex control system. In the partition there are two holes: one – for installation and passage of the swab, the other – for the test tube installation. In the dirty zone there is a small manipulator having two actuators: one for movement of a test tube with a swab, and the second for positioning and placing a disposable mouthpiece. EFFECT: reduced risk of laboratory assistant and tested person infection by avoiding their direct contact. 17 cl, 1 dwg

• Antiinfektive Arzneiform zur Herstellung einer Nasenspülung gegen COVID-19 -

  Einzeldosierte, wasserlösliche oder wassermischbare Arzneiform, umfassend mindestens einen antiinfektiven Arzneistoff, zur Herstellung einer Nasenspülung und/oder zur Verwendung in der lokalen Behandlung des menschlichen Nasenraums.

• Antiinfektive Arzneiform zur Herstellung einer Nasenspülung gegen COVID-19 -

  Einzeldosierte, wasserlösliche oder wassermischbare Arzneiform, umfassend mindestens einen antiinfektiven Arzneistoff, zur Herstellung einer Nasenspülung und/oder zur Verwendung in der lokalen Behandlung des menschlichen Nasenraums.