Background: The objectives of this study were to compare the cumulative incidence, hospitalizations and mortality, by country and age group, in child and young people (CYP) from the beginning of the pandemic to January 2022, and to describe the differences and similarities and justification in the measures adopted in relation to CYP vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Methods: A descriptive quantitative summary of the available data on the impact of the COVID-19 on children and adolescents (<18y) from 7 countries (Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Nigeria, Ghana, Spain) or regions (Kocaeli, Turkey), based on official published data was performed. Outcome measures were available data on incidence, admission to hospital and to intensive care units (ICU), and deaths, by country or region; vaccination plans, including age, type of vaccine and official justification about the proposal. Results: All countries analyzed data showed variable incidence rate, and relatively low ICU hospitalizations and deaths. Vaccines used and age at starting were also variable, i.e. starting at 3-5y in some Latin American countries, while in other countries proposal starts at 15y old. Almost all justifications were based on the idea to promote collective protection, and that vaccination is important as it -directly and indirectly- protect the rest of the population. Conclusions: The results reinforce the idea of the urgent need to prioritize globally and equitably distribution of vaccines in the population at greatest risk, and to apply the precautionary principle in CYP before deciding to massively vaccinate it.
Background : To promote the vaccination against COVID-19, person-to-person communication from vaccinated people will play an important role. The objectives of this study are to identify what messages were shared by vaccinated people, and the relationship between these messages and their background. Methods : This study was an exploratory and prospective basis with individual interviews. The participants were healthcare providers and healthy adults who were recruited at a vaccination site in Chuo-City, Tokyo. The online interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview. Based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), the participants were asked about their perspectives on vaccines and what they talked about after their vaccination. The interviews were categorized into each item of the HBM and analyzed using NVivo software. Results : During August to October 2021, five healthcare providers and seven healthy adults were enrolled in the study. One healthy adult could not be contacted resulting in a total of 11 participants interviewed. Both the healthcare providers and the healthy adults mainly talked about side effects after their vaccination, and to ease the other persons’ concerns based on their experience. Meanwhile, there were differences in the recommendations for vaccination between the two groups. The healthcare providers were strongly aware of the severity of COVID-19 infection and recommended vaccination to others as a useful measure to suppress becoming severely ill. On the other hand, the healthy adults recommended the vaccine with varying degree depending on their expectations and concerns about the vaccine and external factors such as living with a family member. Conclusion : Both the healthcare providers and healthy adults shared similar messages to ease the vaccination concerns of others. However, their vaccine recommendation level was varied, which may be influenced not only by expectations and concerns toward the vaccine, but also by external factors such as family members living together.
Mathematical modelling plays a key role in understanding and predicting the epidemiological dynamics of infectious diseases. We construct a flexible discrete-time model that incorporates multiple viral strains with different transmissibilities to estimate the changing infectious contact that leads to new infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a Bayesian approach, we fit the model to longitudinal data on hospitalisations with COVID-19 from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland during the first year of the pandemic. We describe the estimated change in infectious contact in the context of government-mandated non-pharmaceutical interventions in the two jurisdictions on the island of Ireland. We also take advantage of the fitted model to conduct counterfactual analyses exploring the impact of lockdown timing and a more transmissible new variant. We found substantial differences in infectious contact between the two jurisdictions during periods of varied restriction easing and December holidays. Our counterfactual analyses reveal that implementing lockdowns earlier would have decreased subsequent hospitalisation substantially in most, but not all cases, and that an introduction of a more transmissible variant - without necessarily being more severe - can cause a large impact on the health care burden.
Background: While dialysis patients are at greater risk of serious SARS-CoV-2 complications, stringent infection prevention measures can help mitigate the risk of infection and transmission within dialysis facilities. We describe an outbreak of 14 cases diagnosed in a 13-day period between May and June of 2021 in a hospital-based ESRD facility, and our coordinated use of epidemiology, viral genome sequencing, and infection control practices to quickly end the cycle of transmission. Methods: Symptomatic patients and staff members were diagnosed via RT-PCR tests. Facility-wide screening was conducted using rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests. SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences were obtained from residual diagnostic PCR specimens. Results: Of the 106 patients who received dialysis in the facility, 10 were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection, as was one patient support person. Of three positive staff members, two were unvaccinated and had provided care for six and four of the affected patients, respectively. Sequencing demonstrated that all the cases in the cluster shared an identical B.1.1.7./Alpha substrain. Attack rates were greatest among unvaccinated patients and staff. Vaccine effectiveness was 88% among patients. Conclusions: Prompt recognition of an infection cluster and rapid intervention efforts successfully ended the outbreak. Alongside consistent adherence to core infection prevention measures, vaccination was highly effective in reducing disease incidence and morbidity in this vulnerable population.
We studied 249,070 patients who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 in the Cleveland Clinic Health System between October 1, 2021 and January 31, 2022. We found that vaccination, especially with recent boosting, was more effective than prior infection and monoclonal antibody therapy against both the delta and omicron variants. Vaccination and prior infection were much less effective against infection with the omicron variant than with the delta variant, but the opposite was true of death after infection. Boosting greatly increased the effectiveness of the two mRNA vaccines against both infection and death, although its effects waned markedly after 6 months. In addition, monoclonal antibody therapy was notably less effective at preventing death from the omicron variant than from the delta variant. Finally, the relatively low mortality of the omicron variant was due to both the reduced lethality of this variant and the increased population immunity acquired from booster vaccination and previous infection.
Background: Vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS) was established in the United States (U.S.) as an early warning system with a main purpose of collecting postmarketing adverse events following immunizations (AEFIs) reports to monitor the vaccine safety and to mitigate the risks from vaccines. During the coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, VAERS got more attention as its important role in monitoring the safety of the vaccines. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate VAERS patterns, reported AEFIs, adverse events of special interest (AESIs), impact of different pandemics since its inception, and surveillance rate of serious vs nonserious AEFIs. Methods: This was an observational study using VARES data from 2/7/1990 to 12/11/2021. Patterns of reports over years were first described, followed by a comparison of reports statistics per year. Furthermore, a comparison of incidents (death, ER visits, etc.) statistics over years, in addition to statistics of each vaccine were calculated. Moreover, each incident9s statistics for each vaccine were calculated and top vaccines were reported. Finally, survival analysis utilizing cox regression was done, in addition to AESIs distribution stratified by age groups and gender. All analyses were conducted using R (Version 1.4.1717) and Excel for Microsoft 365. Results: There were 1,396,280 domestic and 346,210 non-domestic reports during 1990-2021, including 228 vaccines. For both domestic and non-domestic reports, year of 2021 had the highest reporting rate (48.52% and 70.33%), in addition a notable changes in AEFIs patterns were recorded during 1991, 1998, 2000, 2006, 2009, 2011, and 2017. AEFIs were as follow: deaths (1.00% and 4.08%), ER or doctor visits (13.37% and 2.27%), hospitalizations (5.84% and 27.78%), lethal threat (1.42% and 4.38%), and disabilities (1.4% and 7.96%). Pyrexia was the top reported symptom during the past 31 years, except for 2021 where headache was the top one. COVID-19 vaccines namely Moderna, Pfizer-Biontech, and Janssen were the top 3 reported vaccines with headache, pyrexia, and fatigue as the top associated AEFIs. Followed by Zoster, Seasonal Influenza, Pneumococcal, and Human papillomavirus vaccines. Myocarditis or Pericarditis were the top reported AESIs (26.95% and 25.84%). Male (HR:1.15, 1.14 - 1.16) for domestic (HR:1.23, 1.22 -1.25) for nondomestic have a higher probability of having serious AEFIs. In addition, age group ≤ 5 years old in domestic and >84 years old in nondomestic have a higher probability of having AEFIs compared to other age groups. Conclusions: The large data available in VARES make it a useful tool for detecting and monitoring vaccine AEFIs. However, its usability relies on understating the limitations of this surveillance system, the impact of governmental regulations, availability of vaccines, and public health recommendations on the reporting rate.
Background: Vaccines to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe outcomes were approved in 2021 for adolescent and subsequently pediatric populations. With the emergence of variants of concern, it is important to continue to assess vaccine effectiveness against both infection and severe disease manifestations. Methods: Using an age and time-matched nested case-control design, we estimated the vaccine effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination at preventing hospitalization among adolescent and pediatric patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. We linked SARS-CoV-2 cases ages 4 to 17 years in Ontarios reportable diseases database to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination records. We included 1,441 incident SARS- CoV-2 cases occurring between May 28, 2021 and January 10, 2022. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate the effectiveness of one and two mRNA vaccine doses against hospitalization among adolescent and pediatric SARS-CoV-2 cases. We quantified and mitigated the impact of unmeasured confounding by calculating an E-value and by applying instrumental variable methods. Results: We included n=131 hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 cases and n=1,310 non- hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 cases. One vaccine dose was shown to be 37% effective against hospitalization among SARS-CoV-2 cases (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.63 [95% CI: 0.33, 1.13]). In contrast, two doses were 59% (aOR = 0.41 [95% CI: 0.21, 0.77]) effective at preventing hospitalization among SARS-CoV-2 cases. Conclusions: Even with immune evasion by SARS-CoV-2 variants, two vaccine doses continue to provide protection against hospitalization among adolescent and pediatric patients, even when the vaccines do not prevent infection. SARS-CoV-2 vaccines remain a safe and effective intervention to prevent severe outcomes.
Background As a novel disease, understanding the relationship between the clinical and demographic characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and their outcome is critical. We investigated this relationship in hospitalized patients in a tertiary healthcare setting. Aims/objectives To study COVID-19 severity and outcomes in relation to clinical and demographic characteristics of in admitted patients Methodology In this cross- sectional study, medical records for 1087 COVID-19 patients were reviewed to extract symptoms, comorbidities, demographic characteristics, and outcomes data. Statistical analyses included the post-stratification chi-square test, independent sample t-test, multivariate logistic regression, and time-to-event analysis. Results The majority of the study participants were >50 years old (67%) and male (59%) and had the following symptoms: fever (96%), cough (95%), shortness of breath (73%), loss of taste (77%), and loss of smell (77%). Regarding worst outcome, multivariate regression analysis showed that these characteristics were statistically significant: shortness of breath (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 31.3; 95% CI, 11.87–82.53; p < 0.001), intensive care unit (ICU) admission (aOR 28.3; 95% CI,9.0–89.6; p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (aOR 5.1; 95% CI;3.2–8.2; p < 0.001), ischemic heart disease (aOR 3.4; 95% CI,1.6–7; p = 0.001), nausea and vomiting (aOR 3.3; 95% CI, 1.7–6.6; p = 0.001), and prolonged hospital stay (aOR 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02–1.08; p = 0.001), while patients with rhinorrhea were significantly protected (aOR 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2–0.5; p < 0.001). A Kaplan–Meier curve showed that the symptoms of shortness of breath, ICU admission, fever, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea increased the risk of mortality. Conclusion Increasing age, certain comorbidities and symptoms, and direct admission to the ICU increased the risk of worse outcomes. Further research is needed to determine risk factors that may increase disease severity and devise a proper risk-scoring system to initiate timely management.
Background: COVID-19 vaccination was recommended for adolescents in Norway since August 2021. In this population-based cohort study, we estimated the BNT162b2 vaccine effectiveness against any PCR-confirmed (symptomatic or not) SARS-CoV-2 infections caused by the Delta and Omicron variant among adolescents (12-17-years-old) in Norway from August 2021 to January 2022. Methods: Using Cox proportional hazard models, we estimated the BNT162b2 vaccine effectiveness against any Delta and Omicron infections. Vaccine status was included as a time-varying covariate and models were adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities, county of residence, country of birth, and living conditions. Data were obtained from the National Preparedness registry for COVID-19, which contains individual-level data from national health and administrative registries. Findings: Vaccine effectiveness against Delta infection peaked at 68% (95%CI: 64-71%) and 62% (95%CI: 57-66%) in days 21-48 after the first dose among 12-15-year-olds and 16-17-year-olds respectively. Among 16-17-year-olds that received two doses, vaccine effectiveness peaked at 93% (95%CI: 90-95%) in days 35-62 and declined to 84% (95%CI: 76-89%) in 63 days or more after the second dose. For both age-groups, we found no protection against Omicron infection after receiving one dose. Among 16-17-year-olds, vaccine effectiveness against Omicron infection peaked at 53% (95%CI: 43-62%) in 7-34 days after the second dose and decreased to 23% (95%CI: 3-40%) in 63 days or more after vaccination. Vaccine effectiveness decreased with time since vaccination for both variants, but waning was observed to occur faster for Omicron. Interpretation: Our results suggest reduced protection from BNT162b2 vaccination against any SARS-CoV-2 infection caused by the Omicron variant compared to the Delta. In addition, waning immunity was observed to occur faster for Omicron. The impact of vaccination among adolescents on reducing infection and thus transmission is limited during omicron dominance. Funding: No funding was received.
Background: Before the availability of vaccines, countries largely relied on mobility restriction and testing to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim is to assess the combined impact of mobility restriction, testing, and vaccination on the COVID-19 pandemic in India. Methods: We conducted a multiple regression analysis to assess the impact of mobility, testing, and vaccination on COVID-19 incidence between April 28, 2021 to November 24, 2021 using data from Our World in Data and Google Mobility Report. The 7-day moving average was applied to offset the daily fluctuations in the mobility and testing. Each independent variable was lagged to construct a temporal relationship, and waning vaccination efficacy was taken into consideration. We performed additional analysis for three time periods between March 28, 2020 to November 24, 2021 (1st: March 28, 2020 ~ October 7, 2020, 2nd: October 8, 2020 ~ April 27, 2021, 3rd: April 28, 2021 ~ November 24, 2021) to examine potential heterogeneity over time. Results: Mobility (0.041, 95% CI: 0.033 to 0.048), testing (-0.008, 95% CI: -0.015 to -0.001), and vaccination (quadratic term: 0.004, 95% CI: 0.003 to 0.005, linear term: -0.130, 95% CI: -0.161 to -0.099) were all associated with COVID-19 incidence. For vaccination rate, the decrease of number of cases demonstrated a U-shaped curve, while mobility showed a positive association and testing showed an inverse association with COVID-19 incidence. Mobility restriction was effective during all three periods - March 28, 2020 to November 24, 2021 (0.009, 0.048, and 0.026 respectively). Testing was effective during the second and third period - October 8, 2020 to November 24, 2021 (-0.036, and -0.006 respectively). Conclusion: Mobility restriction and testing were effective even in the presence of vaccination. This shows the positive value of mobility restrictions, testing, and vaccination from the health system perspective on COVID-19 prevention and control, especially with continual emergence of variants in India and globally. At the same time, this health system gain must be balanced with the challenges in the delivery of non-COVID health services and broader socio-economic impact in deciding the prolonged continuance of mobility restriction.
Background: Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) play a key role in managing epidemics, yet it is challenging to evaluate their impacts on disease spread and outcomes. Methods: To estimate the effect of a mask-wearing intervention to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 on the island of Ireland, we focused on the potential for inter-individual infectious contact over time as the outcome. This is difficult to measure directly; in a companion paper we estimated it using a multi-strain epidemiological model. We used data on mask-wearing and mobility in both Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI) to predict independently the estimated infectious contact over time. We made counterfactual predictions of infectious contact rates and hospitalisations under a hypothetical intervention where 90% of the population were wearing masks during early 2020, when in reality few people were wearing masks in public; this was mandated in both jurisdictions on 10th August 2020. Results: There were 1601 hospitalisations with COVID-19 in NI between 12th March and 10th August 2020, and 1521 in ROI between 3rd April and 10th August 2020. Under the counterfactual mask-wearing scenario, we estimated 512 (95% CI 400, 730) hospitalisations in NI, and 344 (95% CI 266,
The emergence of the new SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, which is known to accumulate a huge number of mutations when compared to other variants, brought to light the concern about vaccine escape, especially from the neutralization by antibodies induced by vaccination. In this scenario, we evaluated the impact on antibody neutralization induction, against Omicron variant, by a booster dose of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine after the CoronaVac primary vaccination scheme. The percentage of seroconverted individuals 30 and 60 days after CoronaVac scheme was 17% and 10%, respectively. After booster dose administration, the seroconvertion rate increased to 76.6%. The neutralization mean titer against Omicron in the CoronaVac protocol decreased over time, but after the booster dose, the mean titer increased 43.1 times, indicating a positive impact of this vaccine combination in the serological immune response.
Background: COVID-19 has proven to be more difficult to manage for many reasons including its high infectivity rate. One of the potential ways to limit its spread is by controlling free international travel. The objective of this systematic review is to identify, critically-appraise and summarize evidence on international travel-related control measures. Methods: This review is based on the Cochrane review: International travel-related control measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and followed the same methods. In brief, we searched for clinical and modelling studies in general health and COVID-19-specific bibliographic databases. The primary outcome categories were (i) cases avoided,
A Clinical Trial on Sequential Immunization of Recombinant COVID-19 Vaccine (CHO Cell, NVSI-06-09) and Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccine (Vero Cell) - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Biological: Recombinant COVID-19 Vaccine (CHO cell，NVSI-06-09); Biological: Inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (Vero cells)
Sponsors:
National Vaccine and Serum Institute, China; China National Biotec Group Company Limited; Lanzhou Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd; Beijing Insitute of Biological Products Co., Ltd
Not yet recruiting
Compass Course: COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Behavioral: Compass Course
Sponsor:
Allina Health System
Recruiting
COVID-19 Volumetric Quantification on Computer Tomography Using Computer Aided Diagnostics - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Diagnostic Test: CAD analysis
Sponsors:
Bogdan Bercean; Pius Brinzeu Timisoara County Emergency Hospital
Not yet recruiting
Improving COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among Black and Latino Youth - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Behavioral: Culturally-Tailored COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Intervention; Behavioral: Standard Care
Sponsors: Nemours Children’s Health System; National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS); University of Delaware; ChristianaCare
Active, not recruiting
Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Impacts of COVID-19 on Young Adults - Condition: Post COVID-19
Intervention: Other: Evaluation of Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Impacts of COVID-19 on Young Adults
Sponsor: Istanbul Arel University
Not yet recruiting
ApTOLL for the Treatment of COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Drug: ApTOLL; Other: Saline
Sponsors:
Macarena Hernández Jiménez; Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial
Recruiting
Platform Trial to Compare Homologous Boost of Authorized COVID-19 Vaccines and Heterologous Boost With UB-612 Vaccine - Condition: COVID-19 Vaccines
Interventions: Biological: UB-612; Biological: BNT162b2 vaccine; Biological: ChAdOx1-S vaccine; Biological: Sinopharm BIBP
Sponsors: Vaxxinity, Inc.; Syneos Health
Recruiting
Trial to Study the Efficacy and Safety of BEJO Red Ginger in COVID-19 Patients With Mild Symptoms - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Dietary Supplement: BEJO Red Ginger Extract; Other: Placebo
Sponsors: Research Center for Chemistry, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia; National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia; RSDC Wisma Atlet; PT. Bintang Toedjoe
Recruiting
Safety and Pharmacokinetics of FBR-002 for the Treatment of Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19 in Need of Supplemental Oxygen and at Risk of Severe Outcome - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Drug: FBR-002; Drug: Placebo
Sponsor:
Fab’entech
Not yet recruiting
A Community-based Study of Spikogen®, a Protein-subunit Covid-19 Vaccine - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Biological: Advax-CpG55.2 adjuvanted recombinant spike protein
Sponsors: Professor Nikolai Petrovsky; Australian Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Institute; Tasmanian Eye Institute
Not yet recruiting
PROSPECTIVE OPEN LABEL CLINICAL TRIAL TO ADMINISTER A BOOSTER DOSE OF PFIZER/BIONTECH OR MODERNA COVID-19 VACCINE IN HIGH-RISK INDIVIDUALS - Conditions: SARS CoV 2 Infection; COVID-19
Interventions:
Biological: Pfizer/BioNTech (BNT162b2); Biological: Moderna
Sponsor:
DHR Health Institute for Research and Development
Recruiting
Nitrate-based Nutritional Formula for Oxygen Saturation and Patient-reported Outcomes in Covid-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Dietary Supplement: NITRATE; Dietary Supplement: PLACEBO
Sponsor: University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education
Completed
COVID-19 Variant Immunologic Landscape Trial (COVAIL Trial) - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Biological: mRNA-1273; Biological: mRNA-1273.351; Other: Sodium Chloride, 0.9%
Sponsor: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Not yet recruiting
Combination of Inhaled DNase, Baricitinib and Tocilizumab in Severe COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19 Severe Respiratory Failure
Interventions: Drug: Dexamethasone; Drug: Low molecular weight heparin; Drug: Anakinra 100Mg/0.67Ml Inj Syringe; Drug: Tocilizumab; Drug: Baricitinib; Drug: Dornase Alfa Inhalant Product
Sponsor: Democritus University of Thrace
Recruiting
Early Treatment Strategy With High-dose Dexamethasone in Patients With SARS-CoV-2 - Conditions: Covid19; Dexamethasone
Intervention: Drug: Dexamethasone
Sponsor:
Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor
Not yet recruiting
Computational studies on the design of NCI natural products as inhibitors to SARS-CoV-2 main protease - The pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in more than 5 million deaths globally. Currently there are no effective drugs available to treat COVID-19. The viral protease replication can be blocked by the inhibition of main protease that is encoded in polyprotein 1a and is therefore a potential protein target for drug discovery. We have carried out virtual screening of NCI natural compounds followed by molecular…
Mesenchymal Stem Cells-derived Exosomes Ameliorate Lupus by Inducing M2 Macrophage Polarization and Regulatory T Cell Expansion in MRL/lpr Mice - Previous studies have implicated that the transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) effectively alleviates systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) primarily due to immunomodulatory effects. However, little is known about the role of hUC-MSC-derived exosomes in SLE. This study is carried out to investigate the modifying effects of hUC-MSC-exosomes on the differentiation and function of immune cells in SLE. hUC-MSC-derived exosomes were extracted from the cultural…
Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviral infection requires FcgammaRIIB and virus-antibody complex with bivalent interaction - Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms behind ADE of SARS-CoV-2 is critical for development of safe and effective therapies. Here, we report that two neutralizing mAbs, MW01 and MW05, could enhance the infection of SARS- CoV-2 pseudovirus on FcγRIIB-expressing B cells. X-ray crystal structure determination and S trimer-binding modeling showed that MW01 and MW05 could bind to RBDs in S trimer with both “up” and “down” states. While, the neutralizing mAb MW07, which has no ADE activity…
17alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate Inhibits Cytokine Production via Suppression of NF-kappaB Activation - Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients with elevated levels of circulating cytokines contributing to various clinical symptoms. Favorable control of CRS represents a promising and effective strategy to mitigate the clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients with moderate to severe pneumonia. Using in vivo cytokine release assay in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-engrafted immunodeficient mice, we reported that…
High Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme and Low Carboxypeptidase N Serum Activity Correlate with Disease Severity in COVID-19 Patients - (1) Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a functional receptor of SARS-CoV-2 and counter-balances ACE in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). An imbalance of the RAS could be associated with severe COVID-19 progression. (2) Methods: Activities of serum proteases angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and carboxypeptidase N (CPN) for 45 hospitalized and 26 convalescent COVID-19 patients were investigated vs. healthy controls using labeled bradykinin (DBK) degradation with and without…
Effect of Ultraviolet Light C (UV-C) Radiation Generated by Semiconductor Light Sources on Human Beta-Coronaviruses’ Inactivation - The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has completely disrupted people’s lives. All over the world, many restrictions and precautions have been introduced to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Ultraviolet C (UV-C) radiation is widely used to disinfect rooms, surfaces, and medical tools; however, this paper presents novel results obtained for modern UV-C light-emitting diodes (LEDs), examining their effect on inhibiting the multiplication…
Surface Functionalization of Non-Woven Fabrics Using a Novel Silica-Resin Coating Technology: Antiviral Treatment of Non-Woven Fabric Filters in Surgical Masks - Masks are effective for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. If antimicrobial properties can be applied to the non-woven fabric filters in masks, they can become a more effective countermeasure against human- to-human and environmental infections. We investigated the possibilities of carrying antimicrobial agents on the fiber surfaces of non-woven fabric filters by applying silica-resin coating technology, which can form silica-resin layers on such fabrics at normal…
SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and Mouse Coronavirus Inhibit Biofilm Formation by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus - The presence of co-infections or superinfections with bacterial pathogens in COVID-19 patients is associated with poor outcomes, including increased morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that SARS-CoV-2 and its components interact with the biofilms generated by commensal bacteria, which may contribute to co-infections. This study employed crystal violet staining and particle-tracking microrheology to characterize the formation of biofilms by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus…
Neuroinflammation and COVID-19 Ischemic Stroke Recovery-Evolving Evidence for the Mediating Roles of the ACE2/Angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas Receptor Axis and NLRP3 Inflammasome - Cerebrovascular events, notably acute ischemic strokes (AIS), have been reported in the setting of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection. Commonly regarded as cryptogenic, to date, the etiology is thought to be multifactorial and remains obscure; it is linked either to a direct viral invasion or to an indirect virus-induced prothrombotic state, with or without the presence of conventional cerebrovascular risk factors. In addition, patients are at a greater risk of developing long-term…
Increased Placental Anti-Oxidant Response in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic COVID-19 Third-Trimester Pregnancies - Despite Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) -induced Oxidative Stress (OxS) being well documented in different organs, the molecular pathways underlying placental OxS in late-pregnancy women with SARS-CoV-2 infection are poorly understood. Herein, we performed an observational study to determine whether placentae of women testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 during the third trimester of pregnancy showed redox-related alterations involving Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide…
Facile discovery of surrogate cytokine agonists - Cytokines are powerful immune modulators that initiate signaling through receptor dimerization, but natural cytokines have structural limitations as therapeutics. We present a strategy to discover cytokine surrogate agonists by using modular ligands that exploit induced proximity and receptor dimer geometry as pharmacological metrics amenable to high- throughput screening. Using VHH and scFv to human interleukin-2/15, type-I interferon, and interleukin-10 receptors, we generated combinatorial…
An extended conformation of SARS-CoV-2 main protease reveals allosteric targets - SignificanceThe coronavirus main protease (M^(pro)) is required for viral replication. Here, we obtained the extended conformation of the native monomer of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) M^(pro) by trapping it with nanobodies and found that the catalytic domain and the helix domain dissociate, revealing allosteric targets. Another monomeric state is termed compact conformation and is similar to one protomer of the dimeric form. We designed a Nanoluc Binary…
Targeting Arginine in COVID-19-Induced Immunopathology and Vasculopathy - Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) represents a major public health crisis that has caused the death of nearly six million people worldwide. Emerging data have identified a deficiency of circulating arginine in patients with COVID-19. Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that serves as key regulator of immune and vascular cell function. Arginine is metabolized by nitric oxide (NO) synthase to NO which plays a pivotal role in host defense and vascular health, whereas the catabolism of…
In Silico Evaluation of Antifungal Compounds from Marine Sponges against COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis - The world is already facing the devastating effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. A disseminated mucormycosis epidemic emerged to worsen this situation, causing havoc, especially in India. This research aimed to perform a multitargeted docking study of marine-sponge-origin bioactive compounds against mucormycosis. Information on proven drug targets and marine sponge compounds was obtained via a literature search. A total of seven different targets were selected. Thirty- five compounds were chosen…
Aurasperone A Inhibits SARS CoV-2 In Vitro: An Integrated In Vitro and In Silico Study - Several natural products recovered from a marine-derived Aspergillus niger were tested for their inhibitory activity against SARS CoV-2 in vitro. Aurasperone A (3) was found to inhibit SARS CoV-2 efficiently (IC(50) = 12.25 µM) with comparable activity with the positive control remdesivir (IC(50) = 10.11 µM). Aurasperone A exerted minimal cytotoxicity on Vero E6 cells (CC(50) = 32.36 mM, SI = 2641.5) and it was found to be much safer than remdesivir (CC(50) = 415.22 µM, SI = 41.07). To…
MACHINE LEARNING TECHNIQUE TO ANALYZE THE WORK PRESSURE OF PARAMEDICAL STAFF DURING COVID 19 - Machine learning technique to analyse the work pressure of paramedical staff during covid 19 is the proposed invention that focuses on identifying the stress levels of paramedical staff. The invention focuses on analysing the level of stress that is induced on the paramedical staff especially during pandemic. - link
CBD Covid 19 Protection - - link
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING IMPROVED GENERALIZED FUZZY PEER GROUP WITH MODIFIED TRILATERAL FILTER TO REMOVE MIXED IMPULSE AND ADAPTIVE WHITE GAUSSIAN NOISE FROM COLOR IMAGES - ABSTRACTMETHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING IMPROVED GENERALIZED FUZZY PEER GROUP WITH MODIFIED TRILATERAL FILTER TO REMOVE MIXED IMPULSE AND ADAPTIVE WHITE GAUSSIAN NOISE FROM COLOR IMAGESThe present invention provides a new approach is proposed that includes fuzzy-based approach and similarity function for filtering the mixed noise. In a peer group, the similarity function was adaptive to edge information and local noise level, which was utilized for detecting the similarity among pixels. In addition, a new filtering method Modified Trilateral Filter (MTF) with Improved Generalized Fuzzy Peer Group (IGFPG) is proposed to remove mixed impulse and Adaptive White Gaussian Noise from Color Images. The modified trilateral filter includes Kikuchi algorithm and loopy belief propagation to solve the inference issues on the basis of passing local message. In this research work, the images were collected from KODAK dataset and a few real time multimedia images like Lena were also used for testing the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. - link
A STUDY ON MENTAL HEALTH, STRESS AND ANXIETY AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS DURING COVID-19 - SARS-Cov-2 virus causes an infectious disease coronavirus(COVID-19).The Students life is made harder by COVID-19.The human reaction that happens normally to everyone through physical or emotional tension is stress. Feeling of angry, nervous and frustration caused through any thought or events leads to stress. As college closures and cancelled events, students are missing out on some of the biggest moments of their young lives as well as everyday moments like chatting with friend, participating in class and cultural programme. For students facing life changes due to the outbreak are feeling anxious, isolated and disappointed which lead them to feel all alone. We like to take the help of expert adolescent psychologist to find out the techniques to practice self-care and look after their mental health. We would like to find out whether techniques used reduce the anxiety and stress among Engineering Students. - link
A METHOD FOR THE TREATMENT OF COVID-19 INFECTIONS WITH PALMITOYLETHANOLAMIDE - - link
CONNECTING A TUTOR WITH A STUDENT - A system and a method for connecting a tutor with a student in real time. Initially, the system receives a student profile. Further, the system receives a question from the student. Furthermore, the system synthesizes the question based on a set of predefined machine learning model. Subsequently, the system determines a cohort of the students from the set of the cohort of the students. The cohort of the students is determined based on the one or more parameters related to the question. Further, the system identifies a tutor assigned to the cohort of the students. Subsequently, the system notifies the tutor in real time. Further, the system receives an acknowledgement from the tutor within a predefined time. Finally, the system connects the tutor with the student in real time when the acknowledgement is the positive acknowledgement. - link
A CENTRAL TRANSACTION AUTHENTIC SYSTEM FOR OTP VERIFICATION - The present invention relates to a central transaction authentic system (100) for OTP verification. The system (100) comprises one or more user display units (102), one or more financial units (104), an account deposit unit (106), an OTP authentication unit (108) and a service server unit (110). The central transaction authentic system (100) for OTP verification work as Anti-money laundering measure. The system (100) also helpful for minimizing rate of cybercrime. The central transaction authentic system (100) for OTP verification that can neutralize digital financial fraud. The present invention provides a central transaction authentic system (100) for OTP verification that can monitor and analyze every transaction and customer interaction across its customer base for suspicious and potentially criminal activity. - link
人源抗新冠病毒中和性抗体D2及其应用 - 本发明公开了人源抗新冠病毒中和性抗体D2及其应用。本发明利用噬菌体抗体库技术，成功获得一株特异性针对新型冠状病毒表面抗原的人源中和性抗体D2；且其在体外具有阻止新型冠状病毒感染敏感细胞的中和功能，在宿主中表达量高，对抗原亲和力高。利用上述方法获得的人源中和性抗新型冠状病毒表面抗原基因工程抗体可变区基因、Fab抗体基因以及上述每个抗体基因特征下的全抗体基因，可以在原核细胞、酵母细胞、真核细胞及任何重组系统中表达和生产此抗体或以此为基础的改建后的含有此抗体基因的任何其他基因，获得具有中和新型冠状病毒感染的抗体产物，制成临床上用于预防和治疗新型冠状病毒肺炎的特异性抗体药物。 - link
雾化吸入型糖皮质激素纳米药物及其制备方法和应用 - 本发明公开了一种雾化吸入型糖皮质激素纳米药物及其制备方法和应用。该纳米药物包括：纳米级细胞膜囊泡；以及加载在纳米级细胞膜囊泡中的糖皮质激素。本发明的雾化吸入型糖皮质激素纳米药物可以在炎症肺部的滞留增强，并改善对激活的巨噬细胞和树突状细胞的靶向性，从而促进糖皮质激素细胞因子的下调作用，抑制新冠病毒SARS‑CoV‑2感染引起的新冠肺炎COVID‑19炎性细胞浸润和肺组织损伤；纳米糖皮质激素依靠中性粒细胞膜囊泡上丰富的细胞因子受体，中和广谱细胞因子，有效缓解肺部炎症。此外，中性粒细胞膜囊泡显示出了更好的体内安全性，并且雾化吸入型糖皮质激素纳米药物吸入递送后能有效地减轻糖皮质激素引起的骨质疏松症。 - link
检测新型冠状病毒及其Omicron突变株的试剂盒和方法 - 本发明公开了一种检测新型冠状病毒及其Omicron突变株的试剂盒和方法。本发明通过对新冠ORF1ab、N、S三靶标基因进行联合检测对新型冠状病毒进行定性检测，同时S基因检测靶标区域覆盖Omicron变异株的特异性突变位点，如若新型冠状病毒为Omicron变异株，因突变位点的发生会导致S基因丢失无信号，从而对Omicron变异株与非Omicron变异株进行鉴别。本发明的检测试剂，能够高效率、高特异性、高稳定性、低成本的对新型冠状病毒及其Omicron突变株感染患者进行检测。 - link