Background: Countries across the globe have mobilized their armed forces in response to COVID‐19, placing them at increased risk for viral exposure. Humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 among military personnel serve as biomarkers of infection and provide a basis for disease surveillance and recognition of work-related risk factors. Methods: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to measure SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen-specific IgG in serum obtained from N=995 US National Guard soldiers between April-June 2020. Occupational information, e.g. military operating specialty (MOS) codes, and demographic data were obtained via questionnaire. Plaque assays with live SARS-CoV-2 were used to assess serum neutralizing capacity for limited subjects (N=12). Results: The SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity rate among the study population was 10.3% and significantly associated with occupation and demographics. Odds ratios were highest for those working in MOS 2T-Transportation (3.6; 95% CI 0.7-18) and 92F-Fuel specialist/ground and aircraft (6.8; 95% CI 1.5-30), as well as black race (2.2; 95% CI 1.2-4.1), household size >6 (2.5; 95% CI 1.3-4.6) and known COVID-19 exposure (2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.3). Seropositivity tracked along major interstate highways and clustered near the international airport and the New York City border. SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG+ serum exhibited low to moderate SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing capacity with IC50s ranging from 1:15 to 1:280. In limited follow-up testing SARS-CoV-2 serum IgG levels remained elevated up to 7 months. Conclusions: The data highlight increased SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among National Guard vs. the local civilian population in association with transportation-related occupations and specific demographics.
Background: An early, total, and prolonged lockdown was adopted in Argentina during the first wave of COVID-19 as the main sanitary strategy to reduce the spread of the virus in the population. Reports from early stages of the lockdown evidenced elevated emotional symptomatology. Aims: The aim of this study was to explore: 1) if the prolongation of the lockdown was associated with elevated emotional symptoms; 2) if the prolonged lockdown affected adherence, a phenomenon called 9behavioral fatigue9; and 3) how financial concerns in a developing country affected adherence to the lockdown and emotional status of the population. Method: A survey was designed to evaluate the psychological correlates of the pandemic after an average of 72 days of continuous lockdown in Argentina.. The survey included standardized questionnaires to assess the severity of depressive (PHQ-9) and anxious (GAD-7) symptoms, a questionnaire to evaluate mental fatigue, and several additional instruments to assess other variables of interest: risk perception, lockdown adherence, financial concerns, daily stress, loneliness, intolerance to uncertainty, negative repetitive thinking, and cognitive problems. Three LASSO regression analyses were carried to evaluate the predictive role of the different variables over depression, anxiety, and lockdown adherence Results: The survey was responded by 3617 individuals over the age of 18 (85.2% female) from all the provinces of Argentina. Using the Oxford stringency index, Argentina had one of the most stringent and prolonged lockdowns when the sample was collected with 63 to 77 continuous days with a stringency index of more than 85/100. 45.6% of the sample met the cut-off for depression and 27% for anxiety. Previous mental health treatment, low income, being younger, and being female were associated with higher levels of emotional symptoms. Mental fatigue, cognitive failures, and financial concerns were also associated with emotional and subjective complaints, but not with adherence to the lockdown. In the regression models, mental fatigue, cognitive failures, and loneliness were the most important variables to predict depression, meanwhile intolerance to uncertainty and lockdown difficulty were the most important in the case of anxiety. Perceived threat was the most important variable predicting lockdown adherence. Conclusions: Emotional symptoms persisted and even increased during the extended lockdown, but we found no evidence of behavioral fatigue. Instead, mental fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and financial concerns were expressions of the emotional side of the pandemic and the restrictive measures.
Background: Covid-19 has caused significant global mortality. Multiple vaccines have demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials though real-world effectiveness of vaccines against Covid-19 mortality in clinically and demographically diverse populations has not yet been reported. Methods: We used a retrospective cohort assembled from a cross-institution comprehensive data repository. Established patients of the health care system were categorized as not immunized, partially immunized, or fully immunized against SARS-CoV-2 with an mRNA vaccine through April 4, 2021. Outcomes were Covid-19 related hospitalization and death. Results: Of the 91,134 established patients, 70.2% were not immunized, 4.5% were partially immunized and 25.4% were fully immunized. Among the fully immunized 0.7% had a Covid-19 hospitalization, whereas 3.4% among the partially immunized and 2.7% non-immunized individuals were hospitalized with Covid-19. Of the 225 deaths among Covid-19 hospitalizations, 219 (97.3%) were in the not immunized, 5 (2.2%) in the partially immunized, and 1 (0.0041%) in the fully immunized group. mRNA vaccines were 96% (95%CI: 95 - 99) effective at preventing Covid-19 related hospitalization and 98.7% (95%CI: 91.0 - 99.8) effective at preventing Covid-19 related death when participants were fully vaccinated. Partial vaccination was 77% (95%CI: 71 - 82) effective at preventing hospitalization and 64.2% (95%CI: 13.0 - 85.2) effective at preventing death. Vaccine effectiveness at preventing hospitalization was conserved across subgroups of age, race, ethnicity, Area Deprivation Index, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. Conclusions: In a large, diverse cohort in the United States, full immunization with mRNA vaccines was highly effective in the real-world scenario at preventing Covid-19 related hospitalization and death.
Background As of April 19, all adults aged 16 years and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. Unequal vaccination rates across racial/ethnic groups may compound existing disparities in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths among Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic communities. Methods From state websites, we extracted shares of people receiving ≥1 vaccine dose, stratified by age and separately by race/ethnicity, through March 31, 2021. Combining these data with demographic data from the American Community Survey, we estimated relative uptake rates by race/ethnicity within each state as the observed share of vaccinations for a racial/ethnic group, divided by the expected share if uptake across racial/ethnic groups within each age group were proportional to population size, an approach that allowed us to control for historical age-based eligibility. We modeled vaccination scale-up within each census tract in a state under three scenarios: 1) a scenario in which unequal uptake rates persist, 2) a scenario in which uptake rates are equalized across race/ethnicity groups over six weeks, and 3) a scenario in which uptake is equalized and states employ place-based allocation strategies that prioritizes disadvantaged census tracts. Results White adults received a disproportionate share of vaccinations compared to Black and Hispanic adults through March 31, 2021. Across states, relative uptake rates, adjusted for eligible population size, were a median 1.3 (IQR, 1.2-1.4) times higher for White compared to Black adults, and a median 1.4 (IQR, 1.2-1.9) times higher for White compared to Hispanic adults. Projecting vaccination coverage under persistence of current disparities in uptake, we found that Black and Hispanic populations would reach 75% coverage among adults almost one month later than White populations. In alternative scenarios, we found that interventions to equalize uptake rates across racial/ethnic groups could narrow but not erase these gaps, and that geographic targeting of vaccine doses to disadvantaged communities may be needed to produce a more equitable convergence of coverage by July. Discussion Interventions are urgently needed to eliminate disparities in COVID-19 vaccination rates. Eliminating access barriers and increasing vaccine confidence among marginalized populations can narrow gaps in coverage. Combining these interventions with place-based allocation strategies can accelerate vaccination in disadvantaged communities, who have borne a disproportionate burden from COVID-19.
Vitamin D is a pro-hormone, essential for musculo-skeletal health, normal immune system, and numerous other body functions. Vitamin D deficiency is considered a risk factor in many conditions, and there is growing evidence of its potential role in the severity of COVID-19 outcomes. However, an alarmingly high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is reported in many regions, and vitamin D supplementation is commonly recommended, particularly during wintertime. To reduce the risk for vitamin D deficiency in the Slovenian population during the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted mass media intervention with an educational campaign. The objective of this study was to investigate vitamin D supplementation practices in Slovenia before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to determine the effects of the educational intervention on supplementation practices. Two data collections were conducted using an online panel with quota sampling for age, sex, and geographical location. A pre-intervention (N=602, April 2020) and post-intervention (N=606) sampling were done during the first and second COVID-19 lockdown, respectively. We also focused on the identification of different factors connected to vitamin D supplementation, with a particular emphasis on vitamin D-related knowledge. Study results showed significant changes in vitamin D supplementation in the population. Penetration of the supplementation increased from 33% in April to 56% in December 2020. The median daily vitamin D intake in supplement users was 25 µg, with about 95% of supplement users taking safe intake levels below 100 µg/daily. Vitamin D-related knowledge (particularly about dietary sources of vitamin D, the health-related impact of vitamin D, and the prevalence of deficiency) was identified as a key independent predictor of vitamin D supplementation. Based on the study findings, we prepared recommendations, which will enable the development of effective awareness campaigns for increasing supplementation of vitamin D.
Real-world data on antibody response post-vaccination in the general population are limited. 45,965 adults in the UK9s national COVID-19 Infection Survey receiving Pfizer-BioNTech or Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines had 111,360 anti-spike IgG measurements. Without prior infection, seroconversion rates and quantitative antibody levels post single dose were lower in older individuals, especially >60y. Two doses achieved high responses across all ages, particularly increasing seroconversion in older people, to similar levels to those achieved after prior infection followed by a single dose. Antibody levels rose more slowly and to lower levels with Oxford-AstraZeneca vs Pfizer-BioNTech, but waned following a single Pfizer-BioNTech dose. Latent class models identified four responder phenotypes: older people, males, and those having long-term health conditions were more commonly 9low responders9. Where supplies are limited, vaccines should be prioritised for those not previously infected, and second doses to individuals >60y. Further data on the relationship between vaccine-mediated protection and antibody responses are needed.
Importance: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors presaging the development of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. It is a risk factor for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Objective: To estimate the prevalence of MetS in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study included 22370 eligible participants aged ≥20 years from the NHANES 2011-2018. Main Outcome and Measure: MetS was defined as the presence of at least three of these components: central obesity, reduced high-density lipoprotein, elevated triglycerides, elevated blood pressure and elevated fasting blood glucose. The prevalence of MetS was estimated taking into account the complex sampling. The time trend was evaluated using logistic regression. Annual percentage changes (APC) were used to measure the trends in MetS prevalence. Results: The prevalence of MetS was 36.2% (95% CI, 32.3-40.3), 34.8% (95% CI, 32.3-37.4), 39.9% (95% CI, 36.6-43.2) and 38.3% (95% CI, 35.3-41.3) in 2011-2, 2013-4, 2015-6, 2017-8, respectively (P for trend =.08). Among the MetS components, the prevalence of elevated glucose increased from 48.7% (95% CI, 45.9-51.5) in 2011-2 to 64.3% (95% CI, 61.0-67.4) in 2017-8 [P for trend <.001; APC=11.7, (95% CI, 3.5-21.0)]. The prevalence of MetS in non-Hispanic Asian increased from 21.8% (95% CI, 16.7-28.0) in 2011-2 to 31.2% (95% CI, 27.4-35.3) in 2017-8 [P for trend <.001; APC=14.6, (95% CI, 2.5-34.8)]. Conclusion and Relevance: The prevalence of MetS remained stable from 2011 to 2018, but increased among non-Hispanic Asians. Lifestyle modification is needed to prevent metabolic syndrome and the associated risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Abstract Background. The continued need for molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 and promise of self-collected saliva as an alternative to nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs for sample acquisition led us to compare saliva to NP swabs in an outpatient setting, without special restrictions to avoid food, drink, smoking, or toothbrushing. Methods. A total of 385 pairs of NP and saliva specimens were obtained, the majority from individuals presenting for initial evaluation, and were tested on two high-sensitivity RT-PCR platforms: the Abbott m2000 and Abbott Alinity m, both with limits of detection (LoD) of 100 copies of viral RNA/mL. Results. Concordance between saliva and NP was excellent overall (Cohen9s κ=0.93) for initial as well as followup testing on both platforms, and for specimens treated with guanidinium transport medium as preservative and for untreated saliva (κ=0.88-0.95). Viral loads were on average 16x higher in NP specimens than saliva specimens, suggesting that only the relatively small fraction of outpatients (~8% in this study) who present with very low viral loads (<1,600 copies/mL from NP swabs) would be missed by saliva testing relative to NP testing, for sensitive testing platforms. Special attention was necessary to ensure leak-resistant specimen collection and transport. Conclusions. The advantages of self-collection without additional restrictions will likely outweigh a minor potential decrease in clinical sensitivity in individuals less likely to pose an infectious risk to others for many real-world scenarios, especially for initial testing.
Introduction: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy increased among US adults April-December, 2020, and threatens efforts to end the pandemic. Among US adults 18-64 years, we report prevalence of and reasons for vaccine hesitancy, overall and by employment and occupation, during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Methods: The Delphi Group at Carnegie Mellon University conducted a COVID-19 survey administered by Facebook. In January, February and March 2021, 791,716, 710,529, and 732,308 Facebook users, respectively, reported age 18-64 years and answered a vaccine acceptance question. Weights matched the sample to the age, gender, and state profile of the US population. Percentages and risk ratios (RR) for vaccine hesitancy were estimated using a weighted Poisson regression; 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using robust standard errors. Results: Vaccine hesitancy decreased among adults 18-64 years from January (27.5% [95%CI, 27.3-27.6]) to March (22.1% [95%CI, 21.9-22.2]). Vaccine hesitancy varied widely by occupational category: 9.6%, (95%CI, 8.5-10.7) in life/physical/social sciences to 46.4% (95%CI, 45.1-47.7) in construction/extraction. Almost half (47.9%, 95%, 47.6-48.3) of hesitant participants indicated concern about side effects, and over a third did not believe they needed the vaccine, did not trust the government, were waiting to see if it was safe, and did not trust COVID-19 vaccines (versus 14.5% [95%CI, 14.3-14.8] who did not like vaccines in general). Conclusions: In this nationally representative survey of adults 18-64 years, vaccine hesitancy decreased to 22.1% by March, 2021. Still, hesitancy, which varies widely by occupation, remains a barrier to pandemic control. Reasons for hesitancy indicate messaging about safety and addressing trust are paramount.
The spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has resulted in a global pandemic that has claimed the lives of millions of people. Genomic surveillance of the virus has proven to be a critical tool for tracking the emergence and spread of variants with increased transmission or immune evasion potential. Despite the global distribution of infection, differences in viral genomic surveillance capabilities between countries and regions have resulted in gaps in our understanding of the viral population dynamics underlying the pandemic. Nigeria, despite having the largest population of any country in Africa, has had relatively little SARS-CoV-2 sequence data made publicly available. In this study, we report the whole-genome sequences of 74 SARS-CoV-2 isolates collected from individuals in Oyo State, Nigeria over the first two weeks of January 2021. Forty-six of the isolates belong to the B.1.1.7 ″UK variant″ lineage. Comparison to available regional and global sequences suggest that the B.1.1.7 isolates in Nigeria are primarily monophyletic, possibly representing a singular successful introduction into the country. The majority of the remaining isolates (17 of 74) belong to the B.1.525 lineage, which contains multiple spike protein mutations, including the E484K mutation associated with potential immune escape. Indeed, Nigeria has the highest reported frequency of this lineage despite its relative rarity worldwide. Phylogenetic analysis of the B.1.525 isolates in this study relative to other local and global isolates suggested a recent origin and rapid expansion of this lineage in Nigeria, with the country serving as a potential source for this lineage in other outbreaks. These results demonstrate the importance of genomic surveillance for identifying SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in Nigeria and in other undersampled regions across the globe.
Twitter is a robust medium to understand wide-scale, organic public perception about the COVID-19 vaccine. In this cross-sectional observational study, we evaluated 2.4 million English tweets from nearly 1 million user accounts matching keywords ((9covid*9 OR 9coronavirus9) AND 9vaccine9) during vaccine development from Feb 1st through Dec 11th, 2020. We applied topic modeling, sentiment and emotion analysis, and demographic inference of users on the COVID-19 vaccine related tweets to provide insight into the evolution of public attitudes. Individuals generated 87.9% (n=834,224) of tweets. Of individuals, men (n=560,824) outnumbered women (n=273,400) by 2:1 and 39.5% (n=329,776) of individuals were ≥40 years old. Daily mean sentiment fluctuated congruent with news events, but overall trended positively. Trust, anticipation, and fear were the three most predominant emotions; while fear was the most predominant emotion early in the study period, trust outpaced fear from April 2020 onward. Fear was more prevalent in tweets by individuals (26.3% vs. organizations 19.4%; p<0.001), specifically among women (28.4% vs. males 25.4%; p <0.001). Multiple topics had a monthly trend towards more positive sentiment. Tweets comparing COVID-19 to the influenza vaccine had strongly negative early sentiment but improved over time. Our findings are concerning for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, but also identify targets for educational interventions.
Oestrogen Treatment for COVID-19 Symptoms - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Drug: Transdermal estradiol gel
Sponsors: Hamad Medical Corporation; Laboratoires Besins International
Not yet recruiting
Virgin Coconut Oil as Adjunctive Therapy for Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients - Condition: Covid19
Intervention: Drug: Virgin Coconut Oil
Sponsors: University of the Philippines; Philippine Coconut Authority; Philippine Council for Health Research & Development
Recruiting
Study to Evaluate a Single Dose of LTX-109 in Subjects With COVID-19 Infection. - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Drug: LTX-109 gel, 3%; Drug: Placebo gel
Sponsors: Pharma Holdings AS; Clinical Trial Consultants AB
Not yet recruiting
Clinical Study in the Treatment of Patients With Moderate Course of COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Drug: COVID-globulin; Drug: Placebo
Sponsor: Microgen
Recruiting
Efficacy and Safety of Three Different Doses of an Anti SARS-CoV-2 Hyperimmune Equine Serum in COVID-19 Patients - Condition: Covid19
Interventions: Biological: Anti SARS-CoV-2 equine hyperimmune serum; Biological: placebo
Sponsors: Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social; Universidad de Costa Rica; Ministry of Health Costa Rica
Not yet recruiting
A Clinical Study Evaluating Inhaled Aviptadil on COVID-19 - Condition: Covid19
Interventions: Drug: Inhaled Aviptadil; Drug: Placebo
Sponsors: Centurion Pharma; Klinar CRO
Recruiting
ACTIV-3b: Therapeutics for Severely Ill Inpatients With COVID-19 - Condition: Covid19
Interventions: Biological: Remdesivir; Drug: Remdesivir Placebo; Biological: Aviptadil; Drug: Aviptadil Placebo; Drug: Corticosteroid
Sponsors: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials (INSIGHT); University of Copenhagen; Medical Research Council; Kirby Institute; Washington D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center; AIDS Clinical Trials Group; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI); US Department of Veterans Affairs; Prevention and Early Treatment of Acute Lung Injury (PETAL); Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network (CTSN); NeuroRx, Inc.; Gilead Sciences
Recruiting
The Effects of a Multi-factorial Rehabilitation Program for Healthcare Workers Suffering From Post-COVID-19 Fatigue Syndrome - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Other: Exercise
Sponsor: Medical University of Vienna
Recruiting
COVID-19 Close Contact Self-Testing Study - Condition: Covid19
Interventions: Behavioral: COVID-19 self-test; Behavioral: COVID-19 test referral
Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania
Not yet recruiting
Safety and Immunogenicity of Demi-dose of Two Covid-19 mRNA Vaccines in Healthy Population - Condition: Covid19
Intervention: Diagnostic Test: immunogenicity after first and second dose
Sponsors: Sciensano; Mensura EDPB; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium; Erasme University Hospital
Not yet recruiting
Total-Body Parametric 18F-FDG PET of COVID-19 - Condition: Covid19
Intervention: Device: uEXPLORER/mCT
Sponsor: University of California, Davis
Recruiting
Remdesivir Efficacy In Management Of COVID-19 Patients - Condition: Covid19
Interventions: Drug: Remdesivir; Drug: Standard of care_1; Drug: Standard of care_2
Sponsor: Ain Shams University
Completed
SLV213 Treatment in COVID-19 Patients - Condition: Covid19
Interventions: Drug: SLV213; Drug: Placebo
Sponsors: Kenneth Krantz, MD, PhD; FHI Clinical, Inc.
Not yet recruiting
Assessment of Efficacy of KAN-JANG® in Mild COVID-19 - Condition: Covid19
Interventions: Drug: Kan Jang capsules; Other: Placebo capsules
Sponsors: Swedish Herbal Institute AB; Tbilisi State Medical University; Phytomed AB
Not yet recruiting
COVID-19 Supplemental Vaccine Boost to Enhance T Cell Protection in Those Who Have Already Received EUA S-Based Vaccines - Condition: Covid19
Intervention: Biological: hAd5-S-Fusion+N-ETSD vaccine
Sponsor: ImmunityBio, Inc.
Recruiting
Development of ciclesonide analogues that block SARS-CoV-2 RNA replication - Ciclesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid used to treat asthma and is currently undergoing clinical trials for treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). An active metabolite of ciclesonide, Cic2, was recently reported to repress severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) genomic RNA replication. Herein, we designed and synthesized a few types of ciclesonide analogues. Cic4 (bearing an azide group) and Cic6 (bearing a chloro group) potently decreased SARS-CoV-2 viral…
Potent Toxic Effects of Taroxaz-104 on the Replication of SARS-CoV-2 Particles - Polyphenolics and 1,3,4-oxadiazoles are two of the most potent bioactive classes of compounds in medicinal chemistry, since both are known for their diverse pharmacological activities in humans. One of their prominent activities is the antimicrobial/antiviral activities, which are much apparent when the key functional structural moieties of both of them meet into the same compounds. The current COVID-19 pandemic motivated us to computationally screen and evaluate our library of…
Binding of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein to the Asialoglycoprotein Receptor on Human Primary Hepatocytes and Immortalized Hepatocyte-Like Cells by Confocal Analysis - CONCLUSION: The absence of ACE-2 receptors and inhibition of spike binding by an antibody to the ASGr1 on both PHH and HLC suggested that the spike protein interacts with the ASGr1. The differential antibody blocking of spike binding to AT2, PHH and HLC indicated that neutralizing activity of SARS-CoV-2 binding might involve additional mechanisms beyond RBD binding to ACE-2.
Antiviral peptides from aquatic organisms: Functionality and potential inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2 - Several antiviral peptides (AVPs) from aquatic organisms have been effective in interfering with the actions of infectious viruses, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 and Herpes Simplex Virus-1 and 2. AVPs are able to block viral attachment or entry into host cells, inhibit internal fusion or replication events by suppressing viral gene transcription, and prevent viral infections by modulating host immunity. Therefore, as promising therapeutics, the potential of aquatic AVPs for use against…
Potential Candidates against COVID-19 Targeting RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase: A Comprehensive Review - Due to the extremely contagious nature of SARS-COV-2, it presents a significant threat to humans worldwide. A plethora of studies are going on all over the world to discover the drug to fight SARS-COV-2. One of the most promising targets is RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), responsible for viral RNA replication in host cells. Since RdRp is a viral enzyme with no host cell homologs, it allows the development of selective SARS-COV-2 RdRp inhibitors. A variety of studies used in silico…
Immunopharmacological perspective on zinc in SARS-CoV-2 infection - The novel SARS-CoV-2 which was first reported in China is the cause of infection known as COVID-19. In comparison with other coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV and MERS, the mortality rate of SARS-CoV-2 is lower but the transmissibility is higher. Immune dysregulation is the most common feature of the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 that leads to hyperinflammation. Micronutrients such as zinc are essential for normal immune function. According to the assessment of WHO, approximately one-third of the…
An international, interlaboratory ring trial confirms the feasibility of an open-source, extraction-less “direct” RT-qPCR method for reliable detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in clinical samples - Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is used worldwide to test and trace the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). “Extraction-less” or “direct” real time-reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is an open-access qualitative method for SARS-CoV-2 detection from nasopharyngeal or oral pharyngeal samples with the potential to generate actionable data more quickly, at a lower cost, and with fewer experimental…
Rapalogs downmodulate intrinsic immunity and promote cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 - Infection by SARS-CoV-2 generally causes mild symptoms but can lead to severe disease and death in certain populations, including the immunocompromised. Drug repurposing efforts are underway to identify compounds that interfere with SARS-CoV-2 replication or the immunopathology it can elicit. Rapamycin is among those being currently tested in clinical trials for impacts on COVID-19 severity. While rapamycin and rapamycin analogs (rapalogs) are FDA-approved for use as mTOR inhibitors in multiple…
CRISPR/Cas-New Molecular Scissors in Diagnostics and Therapeutics of COVID-19 - The current pandemic of COVID-19, with its climbing number of cases and deaths, has us searching for tools for rapid, reliable, and affordable methods of detection on one hand, and novel, improved therapeutic strategies on the other. The currently employed RT-PCR method, despite its all-encompassing utility, has its shortcomings. Newer diagnostic tools, based on the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas(CRISPR-Cas) system, with its better diagnostic accuracy measures,…
Structurally modified compounds of hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir and tetrahydrocannabinol against main protease of SARS-CoV-2, a possible hope for COVID-19: Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation studies - Now a days, more than 200 countries faces the health crisis due to epidemiological disease COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. It will cause a very high impact on world’s economy and global health sector. Earlier the structure of main protease (M^(pro)) protein was deposited in the RCSB protein repository. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and remdesivir were found to effective in treatment of COVID-19 patients. Here we have performed docking and molecule dynamic (MD) simulation study of HCQ and…
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers: potential allies in the COVID-19 pandemic instead of a threat? - Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the leading player of the protective renin-angiotensin system (RAS) pathway but also the entry receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). RAS inhibitors seemed to interfere with the ACE2 receptor, and their safety was addressed in COVID-19 patients. Pedrosa et al. (Clin. Sci. (Lond.) (2021), 135, 465-481) showed in rats that captopril and candesartan up-regulated ACE2 expression and the protective RAS pathway in lung…
In vitro antiviral activity of the anti-HCV drugs daclatasvir and sofosbuvir against SARS-CoV-2, the aetiological agent of COVID-19 - CONCLUSIONS: Daclatasvir, alone or in combination with sofosbuvir, at higher doses than used against HCV, may be further fostered as an anti-COVID-19 therapy.
SARS-CoV-2 spike protein dictates syncytium-mediated lymphocyte elimination - The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus is highly contagious and causes lymphocytopenia, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We demonstrate here that heterotypic cell-in-cell structures with lymphocytes inside multinucleate syncytia are prevalent in the lung tissues of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. These unique cellular structures are a direct result of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as the expression of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein is…
The in silico mechanism of hVKOR interaction with acetaminophen and its metabolite, as well as N-acetyl cysteine: caution on application in COVID-19 patients - Acetaminophen and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) are being used as supportive care in patients suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The coagulopathy and cerebral hemorrhage have been recently reported in these patients. Prolonged acetaminophen use increases the international normalized ratio (INR) and the risk of bleeding among patients taking anti-coagulants. Inhibition of vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR) by acetaminophen and NAC in chronic applications has been reported, however,…
Successful treatment of vaccine-induced prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia (VIPIT) - Cases of unusual thrombosis and thrombocytopenia after administration of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca) have been reported. The term vaccine-induced prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia (VIPIT) was coined to reflect this new phenomenon. In vitro experiments with VIPIT patient sera indicated that high dose intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) competitively inhibit the platelet activating properties of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine induced antibodies. Here, we report a case of a 62-year-old…
Compositions and methods for the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection - - link
5-(4-TERT-BUTOXY PHENYL)-3-(4N-OCTYLOXYPHENYL)-4,5-DIHYDROISOXAZOLE MOLECULE (C-I): A PROMISING DRUG FOR SARS-COV-2 (TARGET I) AND BLOOD CANCER (TARGET II) - The present invention relates to a method ofmolecular docking of crystalline compound (C-I) with SARS-COV 2 proteins and its repurposing with proteins of blood cancer, comprising the steps of ; employing an algorithmto carry molecular docking calculations of the crystalized compound (C-I); studying the compound computationally to understand the effect of binding groups with the atoms of the amino acids on at least four target proteins of SARS-COV 2; downloading the structure of the proteins; removing water molecules, co enzymes and inhibitors attached to the enzymes; drawing the structure using Chem Sketch software; converting the mol file into a PDB file; using crystalized compound (C-I) for comparative and drug repurposing with two other mutated proteins; docking compound into the groove of the proteins; saving format of docked molecules retrieved; and filtering and docking the best docked results. - link
AQUEOUS ZINC OXIDE NANOSPRAY COMPOSITIONS - Disclosed herein is aqueous zinc oxide nano spray compositions comprising zinc oxide nanoparticles and a synthetic surfactant for controlling the spread of Covid-19 virus. - link
一种肝素类药物组合物、喷鼻剂及其制备方法及应用 - 本发明公开了一种肝素类药物组合物、喷鼻剂及其制备方法及应用。该肝素类药物组合物包括肝素钠和阿比朵尔。本发明中的肝素类药物组合物首次采用肝素钠和阿比朵尔联合使用，普通肝素钠联合1μM/L以上的阿比朵尔病毒抑制效率显著高于单独普通肝素钠或单独阿比多尔组（p<0.05）。 - link
USING CLINICAL ONTOLOGIES TO BUILD KNOWLEDGE BASED CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) WITH THE ADOPTION OF TELECONFERENCING FOR THE PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRES/SATELLITE CLINICS OF ROYAL OMAN POLICE IN SULTANATE OF OMAN - - link
抗SARS-COV-2中和抗体 - 本公开提供了针对SARS‑COV‑2的新颖中和抗体和其抗原结合片段。还提供了包括其的药物组合物和试剂盒以及其用途。 - link
Peptides and their use in diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection - - link
Method and compositions for treating coronavirus infection - A method of treating viral infection, such as viral infection caused by a virus of the Coronaviridae family, is provided. A composition having at least oleandrin is used to treat viral infection. - link
**一种4-肟-5-（2-甲基丙酰基）尿苷的制备方法** - 本发明公开了一种4‑肟‑5‑（2‑甲基丙酰基）尿苷的制备方法，包括：S1：在酸存在条件下，使得化合物1和2,2‑二甲氧基丙烷在有机溶剂中反应得到化合物2；S2：在碱存在条件下，使得化合物2在有机溶剂中反应得到化合物3；S3：在羟胺水溶液存在条件下使化合物3在有机溶剂中反应得到化合物4；S4：在酸存在条件下使化合物4在有机溶剂中反应得到化合物I。本发明制备得到的结晶性能良好的固体，且制备条件简单，转化率以及原子经济性好。 - link
一种COVID-19假病毒及其制备方法和用途 - 本发明涉及生物技术领域，特别是涉及一种COVID‑19假病毒及其制备方法和用途本发明，所述COVID‑19假病毒由外壳蛋白质粒与辅助质粒经病毒包装而成，所述外壳蛋白质粒包括表达COVID‑19 S蛋白的质粒、表达COVID‑19 M蛋白的质粒和表达COVID‑19 E蛋白的质粒。本发明的COVID‑19假病毒采用三质粒系统包装，以S/M/E蛋白替代表达VSV‑G蛋白，比仅含有S蛋白的假病毒感染能力更强、灵敏度更高。而且，COVID‑19假病毒携带两种荧光报告基团，不同的荧光报告基团可应用于不同的场景，使得COVID‑19假病毒应用时更简便。 - link