COVID-19 pandemic is a major public health threat with unanswered questions regarding the role of the immune system in the severity level of the disease. In this paper, based on antibody kinetic data of patients with different disease severity, topological data analysis highlights clear differences in the shape of antibody dynamics between three groups of patients, which were non-severe, severe, and one intermediate case of severity. Subsequently, different mathematical models were developed to quantify the dynamics between the different severity groups. The best model was the one with the lowest media value of Akaike Information Criterion for all groups of patients. Although it has been reported high IgG level in severe patients, our findings suggest that IgG antibodies in severe patients may be less effective than non-severe patients due to early B cell production and early activation of the seroconversion process from IgM to IgG antibody.
Oncology has been undergoing a profound transition in the last ten years or more with the increased usage in oral anti-cancer medication (OAM). Approximately 25% of all anti-cancer medication is now designed for oral use and this is likely to increase prospectively. Oral anti-cancer medications have the potential to alleviate capacity issues in cancer treating units as patients receive their treatment at home. There remains however a requirement for safe and efficient assessment and monitoring but this does not necessarily require them to repeatedly attend a hospital day unit. Therefore the opportunity exists to transition this cohort to a community-based setting to be assessed by a specialist such as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) in nurse-led clinics. Having an OAM assessment closer to their home would be more convenient to the patient. Furthermore, this could help alleviate hospital capacity issues which were brought into sharp focus with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the use of nurse-led clinics are promoted in the aims of the current healthcare system reform process in Ireland. Within the context of the Irish healthcare system reform and the COVID-19 pandemic this protocol will outline a collaboration between an Oncology Department in Letterkenny University Hospital in Ireland and the National University of Ireland, Galway aimed to develop and pilot a community- based Advanced Nurse Practitioner-led integrated oncology care model for adults receiving OAM. Phase 1 of this two-phase study commenced in September 2020 and comprised a scoping review, a benchmarking exercise and a qualitative analysis of relevant stakeholders. This protocol paper presents a pilot to be undertaken in phase 2 as OAM care is transitioned to an ANP-led community-based model, which is a radical shift for oncology care in Ireland. The pilot outlined will provide data that will identify potential refinements to the model and address specific uncertainties about a definitive trial.
The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 has rapidly replace previous variants of SARS CoV2 around the globe and is now a major variant of concern. The genomic surveillance of Omicron variant also reveals spread of its subvariant BA.2 which has differing transmissibility in comparison to its other subvariant BA.1. BA.1 and BA.2 harbors different mutational profile. One of the important change in both the subvariants is the presence of 69-70 deletion in BA.1 and absence of this deletion in BA.2. This deletion can be used as tool for the detection of omicron sub variants using real time PCR. In the current study we have used the TaqPath COVID-19 PCR kit for the detection of 69-70 deletion followed by genotyping using SNPsig SARS-CoV-2 (EscapePLEX) kit (PrimerDesign, UK) that target K417N, E484K, and P681R mutations. The samples with the amplification of spike gene and K417N were termed as probable BA.2 cases. A subset of samples (n=13) were further subjected to whole genome sequencing. The results showed all the 13 samples were of BA.2. Hence, this assay can be used as a cost effective method for the detection of omicron BA.2 variant using real time PCR in resource limiting settings. Moreover, the detection of BA.2 with highly transmissible mutations in Islamabad, Pakistan may potentially increase the number of positive cases. In that scenario, there has to be stringent genomic surveillance to understand the circulating lineages in the country.
During the summer of 2021, a narrative of “two Americas” emerged: one with high demand for the COVID-19 vaccine and the second with widespread vaccine hesitancy and opposition to masks and vaccines. We analyzed “excess mortality” rates (the difference between total deaths and what would have been expected based on earlier time periods) prepared by the CDC for the United States from January 3, 2020 to September 26, 2021. Between Jan. 3, 2020 and Sept. 26, 2021, there were 895,693 excess deaths associated with COVID-19, 26% more than reported as such. The proportion of deaths estimated by the excess mortality method that were reported as COVID-19 was highest in Northeast (92%) and lowest in the West (72%) and South (76%). Of the estimated deaths, 43% occurred between Oct. 4, 2020 and Feb. 27, 2021. Before May 31, 2020, approximately 56% of deaths were in the Northeast, where 17% of the population resides. Subsequently, 48% of deaths were in the South, which makes up 38% of the population. Since May 31, 2020, the South experienced COVID-19 mortality 26% higher than the national rate, whereas the Northeast’s rate was 42% lower. If each region had the same mortality rate as the Northeast, more than 316,234 COVID-19 deaths between May 31, 2020 and Sept. 26, 2021 were “avoidable.” More than half (63%) of the avoidable deaths occurred between May 31, 2020 and February, 2021, and more than half (60%) were in the South. Regional differences in COVID-19 mortality have been strong throughout the pandemic. The South has had higher mortality rates than the rest of the U.S. since May 31, 2020, and experienced 62% of the avoidable deaths. A comprehensive COVID-19 policy, including population-based restrictions as well as vaccines, is needed to control the pandemic.
This scoping review synthesises published literature on the experiences of professional and amateur performing artists during COVID-19 and their perceptions of the challenges and opportunities faced. Six electronic databases were searched for published English-language articles containing primary data on this topic; twenty-one studies were reviewed. Themes included loss of work, financial impact, concerns about the future, psychological wellbeing, social connections, continuing creative pursuits, and inequalities. Participants reported both detrimental psychological effects of lockdown such as anxiety and sleep problems and positive effects including reduced stress and enjoyment of having more free time. Most continued creative pursuits throughout lockdown, most commonly shifting to online platforms. However, many barriers to creative pursuits were reported, including lack of technological expertise or equipment. Concerns were raised about inequality, in particular racial disparities in the financial impact of the pandemic and additional pressures faced by performers with disabilities; with insufficient funds to afford the equipment needed to shift to remote performing; and with additional caring responsibilities. It is important that performing artists have access to peer support; that education on digital technologies is incorporated into future performing arts education; and that inequities are addressed to ensure the needs of diverse communities are met.
A third dose of CVnCoV, a former candidate mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, was previously shown to boost neutralizing antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 wild-type in adults aged 18-60 and >60 years in a phase 2a clinical study. Here we report neutralizing antibody responses to wild-type and a variant of concern, Delta, after a third dose on day (D) 57 and D180. Neutralization activity was assessed using a microneutralization assay. Comparable levels of neutralizing antibodies against wild-type and Delta were induced. These were higher than those observed after the first two doses, irrespective of age or pre- SARS-CoV-2-exposure status, indicating that the first two doses induced immune memory. Four weeks after the third dose on D180, neutralizing titers for wild-type and Delta were two-fold higher in younger participants than in older participants; seroconversion rates were 100% for wild-type and Delta in the younger group and for Delta in the older group. A third CVnCoV dose induced similar levels of neutralizing responses against wild-type virus and the Delta variant in both naive and pre-exposed participants, aligning with current knowledge from licensed COVID-19 vaccines that a third dose is beneficial against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
The CDC recommended a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (BNT162b2) COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in September 2021 for high-risk individuals. Pregnant and high-risk lactating women were encouraged to receive the booster to obtain potential prolonged protection for themselves and their infants. This study investigated the ability of the booster vaccine to increase IgA and IgG antibodies specific to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in breast milk compared to levels pre-booster. We found a significant increase in both anti-RBD-specific IgA and IgG antibodies in breast milk following the Pfizer-BioNTech booster and this increase was present in the majority of participants at the study endpoint (60 days post-booster). These results suggest the booster enhances SARS-CoV-2 specific immunity in human breast milk, which may be protective for infants.
Multiple safe and effective vaccines and antiviral drugs have been approved or authorized for use against the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The effectiveness of these and other intervention measures is threatened by the emergence of numerous SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. We present a model for studying the transmission dynamics of two of these variants (Delta and Omicron) in the presence of vaccination, treatment of individuals with clinical symptoms of the disease and the use of face masks in the community. The model was fitted using daily case data for the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States corresponding to the period starting from when Omicron first emerged (end of November
The COVID-19 pandemic is spreading in waves. This article proposes a statistical methodology to study and forecast the future waves. The methodology is applied to COVID-19 data from India to statistically forecast the occurrence of fourth wave in India. In the course of this study, the data is fitted by the mixture of Gaussian distribution, and Bootstrap methodology is used to compute the confidence interval of the time point of peak of the fourth wave. This methodology can also be used to forecast the fourth and other waves in other countries also.
Background The COVID-19 pandemic triggered an unprecedented rise in mortality that translated into life expectancy losses around the world, with only a few exceptions. In 2021, life expectancy trends globally diverged more due to the unequal impact of the pandemic across countries, variation in the age-patterns of mortality, and differences in vaccination. We estimate life expectancy changes in 29 countries since 2020, attribute them to mortality changes by age group, and compare them to historic life expectancy shocks. Data Total death counts by age and sex came from the Short-term Mortality Fluctuations and Human Mortality databases. Registered COVID-19 deaths and vaccination counts by age and sex were sourced from the COVerAGE-DB database. Midyear population counts were extracted from the UN World Population Prospects database. Methods Life expectancy for females, males, and the total population were calculated for 29 countries for 2020 and 2021. Additionally, we calculated life expectancy deficits for 2020 and 2021 based on pre- pandemic Lee-Carter forecasts of short-term life expectancy trends. Using demographic decomposition techniques, age- and COVID-19 specific contributions to changes and deficits in life expectancy were calculated. Deficits in life expectancy in 2021 across countries were compared to country vaccination rates. 95% uncertainty intervals were derived from Poisson replications of death counts. Findings Out of 29 countries, 14 countries lost life expectancy in both 2020 and 2021, 12 recovered losses in 2020 but not all of them back to 2019 levels, 2 exceeded pre-pandemic life expectancy, and 1 dropped below 2019 levels only in 2021. All 29 countries had lower life expectancy in 2021 than expected had pre- pandemic trends continued. The female life expectancy advantage increased for most countries, consistent with hypotheses that females are more resilient to mortality crises than men. Life expectancy losses were moderately correlated with measures of vaccination uptake. One notable change from 2020 was that mortality at younger ages contributed more to life expectancy losses in 2021. Registered COVID-19 deaths accounted for most losses of life expectancy. Interpretation In 2021 we saw divergence in the impact of the pandemic on population health. While some countries saw bounce-backs from stark life expectancy losses, others experienced sustained and substantial life expectancy deficits. While COVID-19 has been the most severe global mortality shock since the Second World War, this observed heterogeneity in 2021 indicates that pathways to long-term recovery of life expectancy trends remain unclear.
Background: It is unclear whether receiving two COVID-19 vaccinations before SARS-CoV-2 infection reduces the risk of developing Long Covid symptoms. We examined whether the likelihood of symptoms 12 weeks after infection differed by vaccination status. Methods: We included COVID-19 Infection Survey participants aged 18-69 years who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between 26 April 2020 and 30 November 2021; we excluded participants who, before their first test- confirmed infection, had suspected COVID-19 or Long Covid symptoms, or were single-vaccinated. Participants who were double-vaccinated ≥14 days before infection were 1:1 propensity-score matched, based on socio-demographic characteristics and time from infection to follow-up for Long Covid, to those unvaccinated at time of infection. We estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of Long Covid symptoms ≥12 weeks post-infection, comparing double-vaccinated with unvaccinated (reference group) participants. Results: The study sample comprised 3,090 double-vaccinated participants (mean age 49 years, 54% female, 92% white, median follow-up from infection 96 days) and matched control participants. Long Covid symptoms were reported by 294 double-vaccinated participants (prevalence 9.5%) compared with 452 unvaccinated participants (14.6%), corresponding to an aOR for Long Covid symptoms of 0.59 (95% CI: 0.50 to 0.69). There was no evidence of heterogeneity by adenovirus vector versus messenger ribonucleic acid vaccines (p=0.25). Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination is associated with reduced risk of Long Covid, emphasising the need for public health initiatives to increase population-level vaccine uptake. Longer follow-up is needed, as is the assessment of further vaccine doses and the Omicron variant.
Detection of early and reliable symptoms is important in relation to limiting the spread of an infectious disease. For COVID-19, the most prevalent symptom is either losing or experiencing reduced olfactory functions. Anecdotal evidence suggests that olfactory dysfunction is also one of the earlier symptoms of COVID-19 but objective measures supporting this notion are currently missing. To determine whether olfactory dysfunction is an early sign of COVID-19, we assessed available longitudinal data from a web-based interface enabling individuals to test their sense of smell by rating the intensity of selected household odors. Individuals continuously used the interface to assess their olfactory functions and at each login, in addition to odor ratings, recorded their symptoms and result from potential COVID-19 test. A total of 205 COVID-19 positive individuals and 156 pseudo-randomly matched control individuals lacking positive test provided longitudinal data which enabled us to assess olfactory functions in relation to their test results date. We found that odor intensity ratings started to decline in the COVID-19 group as early as 6 days prior to test result date. Symptoms such as sore throat, aches, and runny nose appear around the same point in time; however, with a lower predictability of a COVID-19 diagnose. Our results suggest that olfactory dysfunction is an early symptom but does not appear before other related COVID-19 symptoms. Olfactory dysfunction is, however, more predictive of an COVID-19 diagnose than other early symptoms.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Implemented With VR for Post-COVID-19 Patients - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Procedure: Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
Sponsor: The Opole University of Technology
Recruiting
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Implemented With Virtual Reality for Post-COVID-19 Patients - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Procedure: Pulmonary rehabilitation
Sponsor:
The Opole University of Technology
Not yet recruiting
Anti-inflammatory Drug Algorithm for COVID-19 Home Treatment - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Drug: Recommended treatment schedule; Drug: Usual care
Sponsors: Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research; Family physicians
Not yet recruiting
A Phase II Study of the Immunogenicity and Safety of SCTV01C in Population Aged ≥12 Years and Previously Vaccinated With Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccine - Conditions: COVID-19; SARS-CoV2 Infection
Interventions: Biological: SCTV01C; Biological: Comirnaty
Sponsor: Sinocelltech Ltd.
Not yet recruiting
A Phase II Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Immunogenicity and Safety of SCTV01E in Population Aged ≥18 Years Previously Fully Vaccinated With mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine - Conditions: COVID-19; Sars-CoV-2 Infection
Interventions: Biological: SCTV01E; Biological: Comirnaty
Sponsor: Sinocelltech Ltd.
Not yet recruiting
A Phase II Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Immunogenicity and Safety of SCTV01C and SCTV01E in Population Aged ≥12 Years Previously Fully Vaccinated With Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccine - Conditions: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Interventions: Biological: SCTV01C; Biological: SCTV01E; Biological: Sinopharm inactivated COVID-19 vaccine
Sponsor: Sinocelltech Ltd.
Not yet recruiting
A Phase II Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Immunogenicity and Safety of SCTV01C in Population Aged ≥18 Years and Previously Fully Vaccinated With Either Inactivated or mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine or Previously Diagnosed With COVID-19 - Conditions: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Interventions: Biological: SCTV01C; Biological: Sinopharm inactivated COVID-19 vaccine; Biological: Comirnaty
Sponsor: Sinocelltech Ltd.
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
COVID19 Oral Vaccine Consisting of Bacillus Subtilis Spores - Condition: COVID-19 Pneumonia
Intervention: Biological: Bacillus subtilis
Sponsors: DreamTec Research Limited; Middle East Cell and Gene Therapy; National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Completed
Effect of Combined Use of Ivermectin and Colchicine in COVID-19 Patients - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Drug: Ivermectin + colchicine; Drug: Colchicine
Sponsor: Ain Shams University
Recruiting
A Phase III, Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of TD0069 Capsule as a Combination Regimen With Standard Treatment for Patients With Mild to Moderate COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Drug: TD0069 hard capsule; Drug: TD0069 Placebo
Sponsors: Sao Thai Duong Joint Stock Company; Clinical Training Company
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
Vale+ Tu Salud: Corner-Based Randomized Trial to Test a Latino Day Laborer Program Adapted to Prevent COVID 19 - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Behavioral: COVID-19 Group Problem Solving; Behavioral: Control Group-standard of care
Sponsors: The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston; National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
Not yet recruiting
JT001 (VV116) for the Early Treatment of COVID-19 - Condition: Mild to Moderate COVID-19
Interventions: Drug: JT001; Combination Product: Placebo
Sponsors: Shanghai JunTop Biosciences Co., LTD; Sponsor GmbH
Not yet recruiting
BetaShield: A Phase II, Randomized Trial to Test the Effect of Povidone-iodine 0.5% as Mouthwash/Gargle on SARS- CoV-2 Load (COVID 19) as an Adjuvant Infection Control Measure in Dental Practice - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Drug: Mouth rinse
Sponsors:
University of Pennsylvania; Purdue Pharma LP
Recruiting
2-Deoxy-d-glucose induces deglycosylation of proinflammatory cytokine receptors and strongly reduces immunological responses in mouse models of inflammation - Anti-proinflammatory cytokine therapies against interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-1 are major advancements in treating inflammatory diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis. Such therapies are mainly performed by injection of antibodies against cytokines or cytokine receptors. We initially found that the glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG), a simple monosaccharide, attenuated cellular responses to IL-6 by inhibiting N-linked glycosylation of the IL-6 receptor…
Characterization of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 in a mildly affected pediatric population - CONCLUSION: SARS-CoV-2 asymptomatic and mildly affected pediatric patients develop a SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody response, which is comparable regarding antigen, epitope recognition, and the ability to inhibit the RBD-ACE2 interaction to that observed in adult patients after mild COVID-19.
TET2 is Required for Type I IFN-mediated Inhibition of Bat-Origin Swine Acute Diarrhea Syndrome Coronavirus - Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) is a newly discovered bat-origin coronavirus with fatal pathogenicity for neonatal piglets. There is no vaccine to prevent SADS-CoV infection or clinically approved drugs targeting SADS-CoV. Therefore, unraveling cellular factors that regulate SADS-CoV for cell entry is critical to understanding the viral transmission mechanism and provides a potential therapeutic target for SADS-CoV cure. Here, we showed that type I interferon (IFN-I)…
29 m6A-RNA Methylation (Epitranscriptomic) Regulators Are Regulated in 41 Diseases including Atherosclerosis and Tumors Potentially via ROS Regulation - 102 Transcriptomic Dataset Analyses - We performed a database mining on 102 transcriptomic datasets for the expressions of 29 m⁶A-RNA methylation (epitranscriptomic) regulators (m⁶A-RMRs) in 41 diseases and cancers and made significant findings: (1) a few m⁶A-RMRs were upregulated; and most m⁶A-RMRs were downregulated in sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock, and trauma; (2) half of 29 m⁶A-RMRs were downregulated in atherosclerosis; (3) inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis modulated m⁶A-RMRs more than…
Inteins as Drug Targets and Therapeutic Tools - Multidrug-resistant pathogens are of significant concern in recent years. Hence new antifungal and anti-bacterial drug targets are urgently needed before the situation goes beyond control. Inteins are polypeptides that self-splice from exteins without the need for cofactors or external energy, resulting in joining of extein fragments. Inteins are present in many organisms, including human pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Cryptococcus neoformans, C. gattii, and Aspergillus fumigatus….
Montelukast Inhibits Platelet Activation Induced by Plasma From COVID-19 Patients - Leukotrienes are important pro-inflammatory lipid mediators derived from the arachidonic acid metabolism. In particular, cysteinyl leukotrienes, namely LTC(4), LTD(4), and LTE(4) are involved in many of the principal features of asthma, while more recently they have also been implicated in cardiovascular diseases. COVID-19 is characterized by an overwhelming state of inflammation, sometimes resulting in an acute respiratory distress syndrome. Furthermore, severe COVID-19 patients present an…
Isolation and In Silico Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Papain-Like Protease Potentialities of Two Rare 2-Phenoxychromone Derivatives from Artemisia spp - Two rare 2-phenoxychromone derivatives, 6-demethoxy-4`-O-capillarsine (1) and tenuflorin C (2), were isolated from the areal parts of Artemisia commutata and A. glauca, respectively, for the first time. Being rare in nature, the inhibition potentialities of 1 and 2 against SARS-CoV-2 was investigated using multistage in silico techniques. At first, molecular similarity and fingerprint studies were conducted for 1 and 2 against co-crystallized ligands of eight different COVID-19 enzymes. The…
The nsp15 Nuclease as a Good Target to Combat SARS-CoV-2: Mechanism of Action and Its Inactivation with FDA-Approved Drugs - The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is not over yet, despite all the efforts from the scientific community. Vaccination is a crucial weapon to fight this virus; however, we still urge the development of antivirals to reduce the severity and progression of the COVID-19 disease. For that, a deep understanding of the mechanisms involved in viral replication is necessary. nsp15 is an endoribonuclease critical for the degradation of viral polyuridine sequences that activate host immune sensors. This…
Echinacea as a Potential Force against Coronavirus Infections? A Mini-Review of Randomized Controlled Trials in Adults and Children - Echinacea purpurea has been shown to broadly inhibit coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. This review discusses the available clinical evidence from randomized, blinded and controlled human studies. Two RCTs capturing incidence of viral respiratory tract infections during Echinacea preventative treatment were identified including coronavirus infections. Incidence and/or viral loads were measured by RT-PCR and symptom severity was recorded. In a first study, Jawad et al. collected…
Classical and Next-Generation Vaccine Platforms to SARS-CoV-2: Biotechnological Strategies and Genomic Variants - Several coronaviruses (CoVs) have been identified as human pathogens, including the α-CoVs strains HCoV-229E and HCoV- NL63 and the β-CoVs strains HCoV-HKU1 and HCoV-OC43. SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 are also classified as β-coronavirus. New SARS-CoV-2 spike genomic variants are responsible for human-to-human and interspecies transmissibility, consequences of adaptations of strains from animals to humans. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 binds to receptor ACE2 in humans and…
Tea Polyphenols Prevent and Intervene in COVID-19 through Intestinal Microbiota - Although all countries have taken corresponding measures, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still ravaging the world. To consolidate the existing anti-epidemic results and further strengthen the prevention and control measures against the new coronavirus, we are now actively pioneering a novel research idea of regulating the intestinal microbiota through tea polyphenols for reference. Although studies have long revealed the regulatory effect of tea polyphenols on the intestinal…
Targeting the RBD of Omicron Variant (B.1.1.529) with Medicinal Phytocompounds to Abrogate the Binding of Spike Glycoprotein with the hACE2 Using Computational Molecular Search and Simulation Approach - The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus continues to inflict chaos globally. The emergence of a novel Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) in South Africa harbors 30 mutations in the spike protein. The variant is distinguished from other variants of concern (VOCs) with an increased (15) number of mutations in the receptor- binding domain (RBD) and suggests higher chances of causing reinfections. Initial reports also claimed that this variant escapes all the neutralizing…
Robust Recombinant Expression of Human Placental Ribonuclease Inhibitor in Insect Cells - Ribonuclease inhibitors (RIs) are an indispensable biotechnological tool for the detection and manipulation of RNA. Nowadays, due to the outbreak of COVID-19, highly sensitive detection of RNA has become more important than ever. Although the recombinant expression of RNase inhibitors is possible in E. coli, the robust expression is complicated by maintaining the redox potential and solubility by various expression tags. In the present paper we describe the expression of RI in…
Fast and Accurate Surrogate Virus Neutralization Test Based on Antibody-Mediated Blocking of the Interaction of ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein RBD - The humoral response to the SARS-CoV-2 S protein determines the development of protective immunity against this infection. The standard neutralizing antibodies detection method is a live virus neutralization test. It can be replaced with an ELISA-based surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT), measuring the ability of serum antibodies to inhibit complex formation between the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the S protein and the cellular ACE2 receptor. There are conflicting research data on…
Cyanobacteria and Algae-Derived Bioactive Metabolites as Antiviral Agents: Evidence, Mode of Action, and Scope for Further Expansion; A Comprehensive Review in Light of the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak - COVID-19-a severe acute respiratory syndrome disease caused by coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-has recently attracted global attention, due to its devastating impact, to the point of being declared a pandemic. The search for new natural therapeutic drugs is mandatory, as the screening of already-known antiviral drugs so far has led to poor results. Several species of marine algae have been reported as sources of bioactive metabolites with potential antiviral and immunomodulatory activities, among…
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
A SYSTEM BASED ON DEEP LEARNING FOR ANALYZING DELAYED ENHANCEMENT MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING TO IDENTIFY COVID 19 AND METHOD THEREOF - The present invention discloses a system based on deep learning for analyzing delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging to identify COVID 19 and method thereof. The method and system include, but not limited to, a processing unit adapted to process the data based on deep learning data modelling in the magnetic resonance imaging associated with the digital image scanning system for diagnosis COVID 19 with the spatial resolution that each frame is deposited is 256 * 256, and being creating that level and vertical resolution respectively are 256 pixels (pixel), the read/write address that the read/write address of each image element, which is controlled by processing unit and forms circuit and finishes; And the data that will be stored in memory are input to a real-time microcontroller, it is characterized in that: analyze and compare by the Multi-source Information Fusion analytical system by using the real-time microcontroller to deliver the D/A changer then, digital signal is become analogue signal output. - link
一种特异性结合新型冠状病毒S蛋白的抗体及其应用 - 本发明涉及一种特异性结合新型冠状病毒S蛋白的抗体及其应用，属于生物技术领域。本发明提供了一种抗原，所述抗原包括氨基酸序列如SEQ ID NO.1所示的多肽，氨基酸序列如SEQ ID NO.2所示的多肽，与SEQ ID NO.1所示氨基酸序列具有80%以上同源性，且具有诱发针对SARS‑CoV‑2 S蛋白免疫反应功能的衍生多肽，和/或，与SEQ ID NO.2所示氨基酸序列具有80%以上同源性，且具有诱发针对SARS‑CoV‑2 S蛋白免疫反应功能的衍生多肽；使用所述抗原对动物进行免疫可获得能够与SARS‑CoV‑2 S蛋白特异性结合的多克隆抗体。 - link
检测SARS-CoV-2变异株的组合物、试剂盒、方法及其用途 - 本发明属于分子生物学检测领域；涉及SARS‑CoV‑2奥密克戎（Omicron）变异株的检测。本发明提供了包含所述组合物的试剂盒，所述组合物的用途，以及用于检测SARS‑CoV‑2变异株并分型的方法。通过检测SARS‑CoV‑2变异株S基因上的4个不同的特征功能变异位点，对奥密克戎变异株进行分型，从而在单管反应体系中同时实现SARS‑CoV‑2病毒及奥密克戎变异株分型的检测。本发明的组合物，结合荧光探针熔解曲线法，其成本低，通量高。并且操作简便，结果读取过程通过熔解峰Tm值即可以判定。检测全过程均在单管封闭条件下进行，避免了由于样本间交叉引起的假阳性和环境污染。 - link
一种用于检测病毒的试剂盒 - 本发明提供了一种用于检测病毒的试剂盒，包括裂解病毒的试剂和病毒的免疫层析检测装置，通过在试纸条上设置连接标记区域和检测区域的缓冲过渡区域，以及在卡壳盖上设置三条压住试纸条的压条，减缓样本的流速，提高样本在试纸条上的层析和过滤效果，并搭配裂解病毒的试剂，暴露出更多的抗原或者抗原位点，从而大幅提高待测物的检测灵敏度，特别是针对新型冠状病毒的裂解，可以明显提高样本中的病毒抗原浓度，从而采用特定结构的免疫荧光测试条，提高检测的最低阀值，防止漏检。 - link
一种用于检测病毒的试剂和试剂盒 - 本发明提供了一种用于检测病毒的试剂和试剂盒，包括裂解病毒的试剂和试纸条，通过在试纸条上设置连接标记区域和检测区域的缓冲过渡区域，减缓样本的流速，提高样本在试纸条上的层析和过滤效果，并搭配裂解病毒的试剂裂解病毒，暴露出更多的抗原或者抗原位点，从而提高检测的灵敏度。在样本中病毒量特别低的时候，希望能够获得阳性结果，就希望获得更多的抗原片段或者病毒片段，采用本发明提供的裂解液对样本进行裂解，可以明显提高样本中的病毒抗原浓度，从而采用免疫荧光测试条，提高检测的最低阀值，防止漏检，特别适用于针对新型冠状病毒的裂解。 - link
一种结合冠状病毒双特异性抗体的抗药抗体及其制备方法和应用 - 本发明公开了一种结合冠状病毒双特异性抗体的抗药抗体及其制备方法和应用。所述抗药抗体包含重链可变区和轻链可变区，所述重链可变区包含HCDR1、HCDR2和HCDR3，所述轻链可变区包含LCDR1、LCDR2和LCDR3，其中各功能区的序列详见本发明。本发明筛选得到的抗药抗体具有较高的结合亲和力和特异性。 - link
FOLDABLE KIDS NEST - The objective of the present invention is to provide a bird’s nest bag which allows a kid to sleep or sit inside. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the bird nest bag is used to isolate kids below 2 years, who are affected by COVID-19. The netted portion of the bag allows a clear visibility to check on the user by the medical assistants, during emergency situations. The children below two years of age can be isolated in the bags for a shorter duration. (Refer Fig. 1) - link
IDENTIFICATION AND ALARM SYSTEM FOR FACIAL CORONA MASK USING CNN BASED IMAGE PROCESSING - tThe covid-19 epidemic is the world’s largest wake-up call for people to pay attention to their own and society’s health. One thing to keep in mind is that there is a segment of the population that has been exposed to the covid-19 virus and has generated antibodies without developing any significant illnesses and is continuing to be healthy. This indicates that a significant section of the population, even excluding the elderly, lacks the necessary bodily immunity to combat a Viral infection. As terrible as covid-19 is on a global scale, developing personal health standards and preventative measures for any pathogenic virus as a community would have spared many lives. In’this work, a camera is combined with an image processing system to recognise facial masks, which may be improved in a variety of ways. First and foremost, this method is meant to identify masks on a single person’s face. While this method is efficient in identifying someone has a mask, it does not ensure that they will wear it all of the time. The most effective update for this task is to install a camera with a wide field of view so that many individuals can be seen in the frame, and the faces of those who aren’t wearing markings can be identified, as well as the number of people and the timing. - link
一种腺病毒载体重组新冠病毒B.1.429变异株疫苗及其应用 - 本发明公开了一种以人5型复制缺陷型腺病毒为载体的新冠变异株疫苗。所述疫苗以E1、E3联合缺失的复制缺陷型人5型腺病毒为载体，基因组中整合有经优化设计的新型冠状病毒B.1.429变异株抗原基因（Ad5‑nCoV‑B.1.429）。该疫苗在宿主细胞中可以有效表达保护性抗原蛋白。使用该疫苗单次免疫即可激发针对新冠野生株以及B.1.351、B.1.617.2变异株的抗体反应。与2019野生型新型冠状病毒疫苗联用，疫苗加强免疫后可以激发强烈且广谱的新冠病毒变异株中和抗体反应。无论用作单独免疫，还是同新冠野生株疫苗联用作异型加强免疫时，该疫苗均能激发较为广谱的中和抗体反应，具有一定的应用优势，可作为疫苗候选株，用于应对持续蔓延的新冠变异株疫情。 - link