Covid-19 Sentry

Contents

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

From Preprints

• Never waste a “good” crisis! Priming the economic aspect of crises fosters social capital build-up and prosociality -
  Do crises make people more prosocial? And what role does communication play in promoting such attitudes and behavior? These answers matter for post-crisis economic recovery as social capital has been linked to growth. We leverage the incidence of Covid-19 –a multifaceted global crisis– and using a representative panel of US residents, surveyed in April and October 2020, we explore how a) pandemic-induced economic and health anxiety map to prosocial inclinations and behavior, and b) whether communication (and what types) can foster social capital formation. We find that individual exposure to the economic and health consequences of the pandemic had no effect on prosocial inclinations and social capital; but perceived economic vulnerability reduced trust in government and respect for authority and increased preferences for redistribution. Yet information about the aggregate economic consequences of Covid-19 fosters social capital build-up (e.g., altruism, giving, patience) and prosocial preferences. In contrast, information about the health costs of the pandemic has the opposite effect; it greatly reduces interpersonal trust. These information effects also map into policy preferences beyond the Covid-19 crisis. Our findings are consistent with cultural accounts on the determinants of Americans’ prosocial inclinations and preferences.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Never waste a “good” crisis! Priming the economic aspect of crises fosters social capital build-up and prosociality
• “The Role of MSMEs in the Restitution and Development of the Indonesian Economy” -
  In this Covid-19 era, many companies are required to run new business platforms, but many of these companies are not able to keep up with the growing business trends. Of course, in anticipating changes in the competitive climate in the digital era, companies can carry out transformation programs and also implement good corporate governance values to avoid the dangers and risks of failure. This research uses a case study that focuses on efforts to foster Medium, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that contribute to improving the Indonesian economy.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: “The Role of MSMEs in the Restitution and Development of the Indonesian Economy”
• Genomic analysis of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 vaccine breakthrough infections from a tertiary care centre in India -
  Emerging reports of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections entail methodical genomic surveillance for determining efficacy of vaccines. This study elaborates genomic analysis of isolates from breakthrough infections following vaccination with AZD1222/Covishield and BBV152/Covaxin.Variants of concern B.1.617.2 and B.1.1.7 responsible for cases surge in April-May 2021 in Delhi, were the predominant lineages among breakthrough infections.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Genomic analysis of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 vaccine breakthrough infections from a tertiary care centre in India
• The bilingual home language boost through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic -
  Usage-based accounts of language acquisition suggest that bilingual language proficiency is dynamic and susceptible to changes in language use. The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented modifications in the language learning environment of developing bilinguals. Drawing on this unique opportunity, we analyzed existing data of two matched groups of Mandarin-English bilingual children (ages 4 to 8 years, n = 38), one tested before (pre-COVID group) and the other during (COVID group) the pandemic. The dataset comprises responses to a language environment questionnaire, and scores on a sentence comprehension task and a sentence recall task in the bilinguals’ two languages. Questionnaire data revealed a richer Mandarin language environment for children in the COVID group compared to peers in the pre-COVID group. On both comprehension and production tasks, the two groups performed comparably in English but the COVID group showed better performance in Mandarin than the pre-COVID group. Within the pre-COVID group, English was stronger than Mandarin in both comprehension and production. Within the COVID group, the two languages were balanced in comprehension and Mandarin was stronger than English in production. Moreover, language use variables were correlated with production performance in both languages. These patterns illustrate the intimate relationships between language use and bilingual language proficiency through the lens of COVID-19 induced language environment modification.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: The bilingual home language boost through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic
• Occupational inequalities in the prevalence of COVID-19: A longitudinal observational study of England, August 2020 to January 2021 -

  Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced, amplified and created new health inequalities. There is less evidence on how COVID-19 prevalence varies by measures of work and occupation which represent a key social determinant of health. The aim of the study is to evaluate how occupational inequalities in the prevalence of COVID-19 varies across England and their possible explanatory factors. Methods: We used data for 363,651 individuals (2,178,835 observations) aged 18 years and over between 1st May 2020 and 31st January 2021 from the ONS Covid Infection Survey, a representative longitudinal survey of individuals in England. We focus on two measures of work; employment status for all adults, and work sector of individuals currently working. Multi-level binomial regression models were used to estimate the likelihood of testing positive of COVID-19, adjusting for known explanatory covariates. Results: 0.9% of participants tested positive for COVID-19 over the study period. COVID-19 prevalence was higher among adults who were students or furloughed (i.e., temporarily not working). Among adults currently working, COVID-19 prevalence was highest in adults employed in the hospitality sector, with higher prevalence for individuals employed in transport, social care, retail, health care and educational sectors. Inequalities by work were not consistent over time. Conclusions: We find an unequal distribution of infections relating to COVID-19 by work and employment status. Our findings demonstrate the need for greater workplace interventions to protect employees, but also that a large proportion of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs outside of work. In particular, populations who experienced social and economic harms through being furloughed were also more likely to experience a double burden of increased likelihood of COVID-19.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Occupational inequalities in the prevalence of COVID-19: A longitudinal observational study of England, August 2020 to January 2021
• Clinical validation of colorimetric RT-LAMP, a fast, highly sensitive and specific COVID-19 molecular diagnostic tool that is robust to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern -

  The COVID-19 pandemics unfolded due to the widespread SARS-CoV-2 transmission reinforced the urgent need for affordable molecular diagnostic alternative methods for massive testing screening. We present the clinical validation of a pH-dependent colorimetric RT-LAMP (reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification) for SARS-CoV-2 detection. The method revealed a limit of detection of 19.3 viral genomic copies/uL when using RNA extracted samples obtained from nasopharyngeal swabs collected in guanidine-containing viral transport medium. Typical RT-LAMP reactions were performed at 65 C for 30 min. When compared to RT-qPCR, up to Ct value 32, RT-LAMP presented 97% (87.4-99.4% 95% CI) sensitivity and 100% (86.2-100%) specificity for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection targeting N gene. No cross-reactivity was detected when testing other non-SARS-CoV virus, confirming high specificity. The test is compatible with primary RNA extraction free samples. We also demonstrated that colorimetric RT-LAMP can detect SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) and variants of interest (VOI), such as variants occurring in Brazil named P.1, P.2, B.1.1.374 and B.1.1.371. The method meets point-of-care requirements and can be deployed in the field for high-throughput COVID-19 testing campaigns, especially in countries where COVID-19 testing efforts are far from ideal to tackle the pandemics. Although RT-qPCR is considered the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection, it requires expensive equipments, infrastructure and highly trained personnel. In contrast, RT-LAMP emerges as an affordable, inexpensive and simple alternative for SARS-CoV-2 molecular detection that can be applied to massive COVID-19 testing campaigns and save lives.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Clinical validation of colorimetric RT-LAMP, a fast, highly sensitive and specific COVID-19 molecular diagnostic tool that is robust to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
• The Female Predominant Persistent Immune Dysregulation of the Post COVID Syndrome: A Cohort Study -

  Objective: To describe the clinical data from the first 107 patients seen in the Mayo Clinic Post COVID-19 Care Clinic (PCOCC). Patients and Methods: After IRB approval, we reviewed the charts of 107 patients seen between January 19, 2021 and April 29, 2021 in the Mayo Clinic Post COVID Care Clinic (PCOCC) in order to describe the first 107 patients treated through the Mayo Clinic PCOCC. Data was abstracted from the electronic medical record into a standardized database to facilitate analysis. Phenotypes of patients seen in the PCOCC clinic were identified by expert review of predominant symptom clusters. Results: The majority of patients seen in our clinic were female (75%, 80/107), and the median age at presentation was 47 years (interquartile range [IQR] 37, 55). All had Post Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) with six clinical phenotypes being identified: fatigue predominant (n=68), dyspnea predominant (n=23), myalgia predominant (n=6), orthostasis predominant (n=6), chest pain predominant (n=3), and headache predominant (n=1). The fatigue-predominant phenotype was more common in women (84%, p=0.006) and the dyspnea-predominant phenotype was more common in men (52%, p=0.002). IL-6 was elevated in 61% of patients (69% of women, p=0.0046) which was statistically discordant with elevation in CRP and ESR which was identified in 17% and 20% of cases respectively (p<0.001). Four PASC phenotypes (fatigue-predominant, myalgia-predominant, orthostasis predominant, and headache-predominant) were associated with central sensitization (CS), and higher IL-6 levels than those phenotypes not associated with CS (p=0.013). Patients with CS phenotypes after COVID-19 infection (post COVID syndrome) were predominantly female (80%, p=0.0085). Conclusion: In our post COVID clinic, we observed several distinct clinical phenotypes. Fatigue-predominance was the most common presentation and was associated with elevated IL-6 levels and female gender. Dyspnea-predominance was more common in men and was not associated with elevated IL-6 levels. IL-6 levels were significantly elevated in patients with PASC and discordant with ESR and CRP, particularly in those with central sensitization phenotypes.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: The Female Predominant Persistent Immune Dysregulation of the Post COVID Syndrome: A Cohort Study
• COVID Oximetry @home: evaluation of patient outcomes -

  Background: COVID-19 has placed unprecedented demands on hospitals. A clinical service, COVID Oximetry @home (CO@h) was launched in November 2020 to support remote monitoring of COVID-19 patients in the community. Remote monitoring through CO@h aims to identify early patient deterioration and provide timely escalation for cases of silent hypoxia, while reducing the burden on secondary care. Methods: We conducted a retrospective service evaluation of COVID-19 patients onboarded to CO@h from November 2020 to March 2021 in the North Hampshire (UK) community led service (a collaboration of 15 GP practices, covering a population of 230,000 people). We have compared outcomes for patients admitted to Basingstoke & North Hampshire Hospital who were CO@h patients (COVID-19 patients with monitoring of SpO2 (n=137)), with non CO@h patients (those directly admitted without being monitored by CO@h (n=633)). Odds Ratio analysis was performed to contrast the likelihood of patient outcomes resulting in 30 day mortality, ICU admission and length of stay greater than 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. Results: Hospital length of stay was reduced by an average of 6.3 days for CO@h patients (6.9 95% CI [5.6 - 8.1]) in comparison to Non-CO@h (13.2 95% CI [12.2 - 14.1]). The most significant odds ratio effect was on mortality (0.23 95%CI [0.11 - 0.49]), followed by length of stay > 14 days (OR 0.23 95%CI [0.13 - 0.42]), length of stay > 28 days (OR 0.23 95%CI [0.08 - 0.65]), length of stay > 7 days (OR 0.35 95%CI [0.24 - 0.52]), and length of stay > 3 days (OR 0.52 95%CI [0.35 - 0.78]). Mortality and length of stay outcomes were statistically significant. Only 5/137 (3.6%) where admitted to ICU compared with 52/633 (8.2%) for Non-CO@h. Conclusions: CO@h has demonstrated considerably improved patient outcomes reducing the odds of longer length hospital stays and mortality.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: COVID Oximetry @home: evaluation of patient outcomes
• COVID-19 patient accounts of illness severity, treatments and lasting symptoms -

  First-person accounts of COVID-19 illness and treatment complement and enrich data derived from electronic medical or public health records. With patient-reported data, it is uniquely possible to ascertain in-depth contextual information as well as behavioral and emotional responses to illness. The Novel Coronavirus Illness Patient Report (NCIPR) dataset includes complete survey responses from 1,592 confirmed COVID-19 patients ages 18 to 98. NCIPR survey questions address symptoms, medical complications, home and hospital treatments, lasting effects, anxiety about illness, employment impacts, quarantine behaviors, vaccine-related behaviors and effects, and illness of other family/household members. Additional questions address financial security, perceived discrimination, pandemic impacts (relationship, social, stress, sleep), health history, and coping strategies. Detailed patient reports of illness, environment, and psychosocial impact, proximal to timing of infection and considerate of demographic variation, is meaningful for understanding pandemic-related public health from the perspective of those that contracted the disease.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: COVID-19 patient accounts of illness severity, treatments and lasting symptoms
• IL10RB as a key regulator of COVID-19 host susceptibility and severity -

  Background Recent efforts have identified genetic loci that are associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection rates and disease outcome severity. Translating these genetic findings into druggable genes and readily available compounds that reduce COVID-19 host susceptibility is a critical next step. Methods We integrate COVID-19 genetic susceptibility variants, multi-tissue genetically regulated gene expression (GReX) and perturbargen signatures to identify candidate genes and compounds that reverse the predicted gene expression dysregulation associated with COVID-19 susceptibility. The top candidate gene is validated by testing both its GReX and observed blood transcriptome association with COVID-19 severity, as well as by in vitro perturbation to quantify effects on viral load and molecular pathway dysregulation. We validate the in silico drug repositioning analysis by examining whether the top candidate compounds decrease COVID-19 incidence based on epidemiological evidence. Results We identify IL10RB as the top key regulator of COVID-19 host susceptibility. Predicted GReX up-regulation of IL10RB and higher IL10RB expression in COVID-19 patient blood is associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. In vitro IL10RB overexpression is associated with increased viral load and activation of immune-related molecular pathways. Azathioprine and retinol are prioritized as candidate compounds to reduce the likelihood of testing positive for COVID-19. Conclusions We establish an integrative data-driven approach for gene target prioritization. We identify and validate IL10RB as a suitable molecular target for modulation of COVID-19 host susceptibility. Finally, we provide evidence for a few readily available medications that would warrant further investigation as drug repositioning candidates.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: IL10RB as a key regulator of COVID-19 host susceptibility and severity
• Efficient discovery of potently neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using LIBRA-seq with ligand blocking -
  SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic antibody discovery efforts have met with notable success but have been associated with a generally inefficient process, requiring the production and characterization of exceptionally large numbers of candidates for the identification of a small set of leads. Here, we show that incorporating antibody-ligand blocking as part of LIBRA-seq, the high-throughput sequencing platform for antibody discovery, results in efficient identification of ultra-potent neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. LIBRA-seq with ligand blocking is a general platform for functional antibody discovery targeting the disruption of antigen-ligand interactions.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Efficient discovery of potently neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using LIBRA-seq with ligand blocking
• Common cardiac medications potently inhibit ACE2 binding to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike, and block virus penetration into human lung cells -
  To initiate SARS-CoV-2 infection, the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) on the viral spike protein must first bind to the host receptor ACE2 protein on pulmonary and other ACE2-expressing cells. We hypothesized that cardiac glycoside drugs might block the binding reaction between ACE2 and the Spike (S) protein, and thus block viral penetration into target cells. To test this hypothesis we developed a biochemical assay for ACE2:Spike binding, and tested cardiac glycosides as inhibitors of binding. Here we report that ouabain, digitoxin, and digoxin are high-affinity competitive inhibitors of ACE2 binding to the Wuhan S1 and the European [E614G] S1 proteins. These drugs also inhibit ACE2 binding to the Wuhan RBD, as well as to RBD proteins containing the S.Africa [E484K], Mink [Y453F] and UK [N501Y] mutations. As hypothesized, we also found that ouabain and digitoxin blocked penetration by SARS-CoV-2 Spike-pseudotyped virus into human lung cells. These data indicate that cardiac glycosides may block viral penetration into the target cell by first inhibiting ACE2:Spike binding. Clinical concentrations of ouabain and digitoxin are relatively safe for short term use for subjects with normal hearts. It has therefore not escaped our attention that these common cardiac medications could be deployed as inexpensive repurposed drugs for anti-COVID-19 therapy.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Common cardiac medications potently inhibit ACE2 binding to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike, and block virus penetration into human lung cells
• SARS-CoV-2 infection studies in lung organoids identify TSPAN8 as novel mediator -
  SARS coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is causing a global pandemic with large variation in COVID-19 disease spectrum. SARS-CoV-2 infection requires host receptor ACE2 on lung epithelium, but epithelial underpinnings of variation are largely unknown. We capitalized on comprehensive organoid assays to report remarkable variation in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates of lung organoids from different subjects. Tropism is highest for TUBA- and MUC5AC-positive organoid cells, but levels of TUBA-, MUC5A-, or ACE2- positive cells do not predict infection rate. We identify surface molecule Tetraspanin 8 (TSPAN8) as novel mediator of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is not downregulated by this specific virus. TSPAN8 levels, prior to infection, strongly correlate with infection rate and TSPAN8-blocking antibodies diminish SARS-CoV-2 infection. We propose TSPAN8 as novel functional biomarker and potential therapeutic target for COVID-19.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: SARS-CoV-2 infection studies in lung organoids identify TSPAN8 as novel mediator
• Efficacy of ancestral receptor-binding domain, S1 and trimeric spike protein vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and B.1.617.1 -
  The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The current SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are based on spike (S) protein, S1 subunit, or receptor-binding domain (RBD) of prototype strain. Emergence of several novel SARS-CoV-2 variants has raised concern about potential immune escape. In this study, we performed an immunogenicity comparison of ancestral RBD, S1, and S ectodomain trimer (S-trimer) antigens and tested the efficacy of these prototype vaccines against the circulating variants, especially B.1.617 that has been linked to India’s current COVID-19 surge. We found that RBD and S-trimer proteins could induce significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers than S1 protein. For the three vaccines, the neutralizing titers decreased over time, but still remained high for at least five months after immunization. Importantly, the three prototype vaccines were still effective in neutralizing the variants of concern, although B.1.351 and B.1.617.1 lineages showed varying degrees of reduction in neutralization by the immune sera. The vaccines-induced sera were shown to block receptor binding and inhibit S protein-mediated membrane fusion. In addition, the immune sera did not promote antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) in vitro. Our work provides valuable information for development of SARS-CoV-2 subunit vaccines and also supports the continued use of ancestral RBD or S-based vaccines to fight the COVID-19 epidemic.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Efficacy of ancestral receptor-binding domain, S1 and trimeric spike protein vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and B.1.617.1
• Naturally enhanced neutralizing breadth to SARS-CoV-2 after one year -
  Over one year after its inception, the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains difficult to control despite the availability of several excellent vaccines. Progress in controlling the pandemic is slowed by the emergence of variants that appear to be more transmissible and more resistant to antibodies. Here we report on a cohort of 63 COVID-19-convalescent individuals assessed at 1.3, 6.2 and 12 months after infection, 41% of whom also received mRNA vaccines. In the absence of vaccination antibody reactivity to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2, neutralizing activity and the number of RBD-specific memory B cells remain relatively stable from 6 to 12 months. Vaccination increases all components of the humoral response, and as expected, results in serum neutralizing activities against variants of concern that are comparable to or greater than neutralizing activity against the original Wuhan Hu-1 achieved by vaccination of naive individuals. The mechanism underlying these broad-based responses involves ongoing antibody somatic mutation, memory B cell clonal turnover, and development of monoclonal antibodies that are exceptionally resistant to SARS-CoV-2 RBD mutations, including those found in variants of concern. In addition, B cell clones expressing broad and potent antibodies are selectively retained in the repertoire over time and expand dramatically after vaccination. The data suggest that immunity in convalescent individuals will be very long lasting and that convalescent individuals who receive available mRNA vaccines will produce antibodies and memory B cells that should be protective against circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Naturally enhanced neutralizing breadth to SARS-CoV-2 after one year

From Clinical Trials

• Study of Allogeneic Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treatment of COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Biological: COVI-MSC;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsor:   Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.
  Not yet recruiting

• Study to Evaluate a Single Intranasal Dose of STI-2099 (COVI-DROPS™) in Outpatient Adults With COVID-19 (US) - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Biological: COVI-DROPS;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsor:   Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.
  Not yet recruiting

• Study to Evaluate a Single Intranasal Dose of STI-2099 (COVI-DROPS™) in Outpatient Adults With COVID-19 (UK) - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Biological: COVI-DROPS;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsor:   Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.
  Not yet recruiting

• Low-Dose Radiation Therapy to Lungs in Moderate COVID-19 Pneumonitis: A Case-Control Pilot Study - Condition:   COVID-19 Pneumonia
  Intervention:   Radiation: Low dose radiotherapy
  Sponsor:   Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences
  Not yet recruiting

• CRP-Apheresis for Attenuation of Pulmonary, MYocardial and/or Kidney Injury in COvid-19 - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Device: CRP-apheresis
  Sponsor:   University Hospital, Essen
  Recruiting

• Study of Allogeneic Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Treat Post COVID-19 “Long Haul” Pulmonary Compromise - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Biological: COVI-MSC
  Sponsor:   Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.
  Not yet recruiting

• Using Text Messages to Improve COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Behavioral: Text message content
  Sponsors:   Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust;   Central London CCG;   Imperial College Health Partners;   Institute for Global Health Innovations;   The Behavioural Insights Team
  Not yet recruiting

• Prophylaxis for COVID-19: Ivermectin in Close Contacts of COVID-19 Cases (IVERNEX-TUC) - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Drug: Ivermectin;   Other: Placebo
  Sponsor:   Ministry of Public Health, Argentina
  Recruiting

• Mix and Match of the Second COVID-19 Vaccine Dose for Safety and Immunogenicity - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Biological: mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine;   Biological: BNT162b2;   Biological: ChAdOx1-S [recombinant];   Other: 0, 28 day schedule;   Other: 0, 112 day schedule
  Sponsors:   Canadian Immunization Research Network;   Canadian Center for Vaccinology;   BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute;   Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba;   CHU de Quebec-Universite Laval;   Ottawa Hospital Research Institute;   Northern Alberta Clinical Trials + Research Centre;   Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion;   University of Toronto;   Massachusetts General Hospital
  Not yet recruiting

• CISCO-21 Prevent and Treat Long COVID-19. - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Other: Resistance Exercise
  Sponsors:   NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde;   University of Glasgow;   Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government
  Not yet recruiting

• Collecting Respiratory Sound Samples From Corona Patients to Extend the Diagnostic Capability of VOQX Electronic Stethoscope to Diagnose COVID-19 Patients - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Diagnostic Test: Electronic stethoscope
  Sponsor:   Sanolla
  Recruiting

• Leronlimab in Moderatelly Ill Patients With COVID-19 Pneumonia - Condition:   COVID-19 Pneumonia
  Interventions:   Drug: Leronlimab;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsors:   Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein;   CytoDyn, Inc.
  Not yet recruiting

• Leronlimab in Critically Ill Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) With Need for Mechanical Ventilation or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation - Condition:   COVID-19 Pneumonia
  Interventions:   Drug: Leronlimab;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsors:   Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein;   CytoDyn, Inc.
  Not yet recruiting

• Amantadine for COVID-19 - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Drug: Amantadine;   Drug: Lactose monohydrate
  Sponsors:   Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre;   University of Copenhagen
  Not yet recruiting

• A Proof of Concept Study for the DNA Repair Driven by the Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Critical COVID-19 Patients - Condition:   COVID-19 Pneumonia
  Intervention:   Biological: Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation
  Sponsors:   SBÜ Dr. Sadi Konuk Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi;   Istinye University;   Liv Hospital (Ulus)
  Completed

From PubMed

• Evaluation of Dual Inhibitory Effect of Anagliptin, Ramipril, and Lisinopril on Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme and DPP-4 Activities - CONCLUSION: It seems that while most ACE inhibitors cannot affect DPP-4 activity, inhibitors of DPP-4 vary in their effect on ACE activity. The selection of DPP-4 inhibitors under different clinical situations should take into account the action of these drugs on ACE.

• Identifying the molecular targets and mechanisms of xuebijing injection for the treatment of COVID-19 via network parmacology and molecular docking - Xuebijing Injection have been found to improve the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 and alleviate disease severity, but the mechanisms are currently unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential molecular targets and mechanisms of the Xuebijing injection in treating COVID-19 via network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis. The main active ingredients and therapeutic targets of the Xuebijing injection, and the pathogenic targets of COVID-19 were screened using the TCMSP, UniProt,…

• SARS-CoV-2 infection induces the activation of tissue factor-mediated coagulation by activation of acid sphingomyelinase - SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with the hypercoagulable state. Tissue factor (TF) is the primary cellular initiator of coagulation. Most of the TF expressed on cell surfaces remains cryptic. Sphingomyelin (SM) is responsible for maintaining TF in the encrypted state, and hydrolysis of SM by acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) increases TF activity. ASMase was shown to play a role in virus infection biology. In the present study, we investigated the role of ASMase in SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced…

• Plitidepsin has a positive therapeutic index in adult patients with COVID-19 requiring hospitalization - Plitidepsin is a marine-derived cyclic-peptide that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication at low nanomolar concentrations by the targeting of host protein eEF1A (eukaryotic translation-elongation-factor-1A). We evaluated a model of intervention with plitidepsin in hospitalized COVID-19 adult patients where three doses were assessed (1.5, 2 and 2.5 mg/day for 3 days, as a 90-minute intravenous infusion) in 45 patients (15 per dose-cohort). Treatment was well tolerated, with only two Grade 3…

• Combination of a Sindbis-SARS-CoV-2 spike vaccine and alphaOX40 antibody elicits protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 induced disease and potentiates long-term SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral and T-cell immunity - The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is a major global public threat. Currently, a worldwide effort has been mounted to generate billions of effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses to immunize the world’s population at record speeds. However, there is still demand for alternative effective vaccines that rapidly confer long-term protection and rely upon cost-effective, easily scaled-up manufacturing. Here, we present a Sindbis alphavirus vector (SV), transiently expressing the…

• Evidence of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in domestic cats living with owners with a history of COVID-19 in Lima - Peru - SARS-CoV-2 can infect a variety of wild and domestic animals worldwide. Of these, domestic cats are highly susceptible species and potential viral reservoirs. As such, it is important to investigate disease exposure in areas with active community transmission and high disease prevalence. In this report we demonstrate the presence of serum neutralizing antibodies against the receptor binding-domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 in cats whose owners had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Lima, Peru, using…

• Single-Molecule Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 5’ Cap Recognition by Human eIF4F - Coronaviruses initiate translation through recognition of the viral RNA 5’ m ⁷ GpppA (m) cap by translation factor eIF4F. eIF4F is a heterotrimeric protein complex with cap-binding, RNA-binding, and RNA helicase activities. Modulating eIF4F function through cellular regulation or small-molecule inhibition impacts coronavirus replication, including for SARS-CoV-2. Translation initiation involves highly coordinated dynamics of translation factors with messenger or viral RNA. However, how the eIF4F…

• SARS-CoV-2 Nsp14 activates NF-kappaB signaling and induces IL-8 upregulation - Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection leads to NF-κB activation and induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, though the underlying mechanism for this activation is not fully understood. Our results reveal that the SARS-CoV-2 Nsp14 protein contributes to the viral activation of NF-κB signaling. Nsp14 caused the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Nsp14 induced the upregulation of IL-6 and IL-8, which also occurred in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. IL-8 upregulation…

• Simeprevir Potently Suppresses SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Synergizes with Remdesivir - The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a global threat to human health. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we identified and validated the hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitor simeprevir as an especially promising repurposable drug for treating COVID-19. Simeprevir potently reduces SARS-CoV-2 viral load by multiple orders of magnitude and synergizes with remdesivir in vitro. Mechanistically, we…

• Computational prediction of nimbanal as potential antagonist of respiratory syndrome coronavirus - The high pathogenic nature of the Middle East Respiratory coronavirus (MER) and the associated high fatality rate demands an urgent attention from researchers. Because there is currently no approved drug for the management of the disease, research efforts have been intensified towards the discovery of a potent drug for the treatment of the disease. Papain Like protease (PLpro) is one of the key proteins involved in the viral replication. We therefore docked forty-six compounds already…

• Structural insights and inhibition mechanism of TMPRSS2 by experimentally known inhibitors Camostat mesylate, Nafamostat and Bromhexine hydrochloride to control SARS-Coronavirus-2: A molecular modeling approach - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been responsible for the cause of global pandemic Covid-19 and to date, there is no effective treatment available. The spike ‘S’ protein of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 of the host cell are being targeted to design new drugs to control Covid-19. Similarly, a transmembrane serine protease, TMPRSS2 of the host cell plays a significant role in the proteolytic cleavage of viral ‘S’ protein helpful for the priming of ACE2 receptors and viral…

• Is carbonic anhydrase inhibition useful as a complementary therapy of Covid-19 infection? - The ongoing Covid-19 is a contagious disease, and it is characterised by different symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Rising concerns about Covid-19 have severely affected the healthcare system in all countries as the Covid-19 outbreak has developed at a rapid rate all around the globe. Intriguing, a clinically used drug, acetazolamide (a specific inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase, CA, EC 4.2.1.1), is used to treat high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE), showing a high degree…

• Kinetics of Neutralizing Antibodies of COVID-19 Patients Tested Using Clinical D614G, B.1.1.7, and B 1.351 Isolates in Microneutralization Assays - Increasing evidence suggests that some newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoCs) resist neutralization by antibodies elicited by the early-pandemic wild-type virus. We applied neutralization tests to paired recoveree sera (n = 38) using clinical isolates representing the first wave (D614G), VoC1, and VoC2 lineages (B.1.1.7 and B 1.351). Neutralizing antibodies inhibited contemporary and VoC1 lineages, whereas inhibition of VoC2 was reduced 8-fold, with 50% of sera failing to show…

• Induction of the Proinflammatory Chemokine Interleukin-8 Is Regulated by Integrated Stress Response and AP-1 Family Proteins Activated during Coronavirus Infection - Infection induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as interleukin-8 (IL-8) and IL-6. Although they facilitate local antiviral immunity, their excessive release leads to life-threatening cytokine release syndrome, exemplified by the severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In this study, we investigated the roles of the integrated stress response (ISR) and activator…

• Immune Responses to SARS-CoV2 Mirror Societal Responses to COVID-19: Identifying Factors Underlying a Successful Viral Response - The adaptive immune system was sculpted to protect individuals, societies, and species since its inception, developing effective strategies to cope with emerging pathogens. Here, we show that similar successful or failed dynamics govern personal and societal responses to a pathogen as SARS-CoV2. Understanding the self-similarity between the health-protective measures taken to protect the individual or the society, help identify critical factors underlying the effectiveness of societal response…

From Patent Search

• COST EFFECTIVE PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR FOR COVID-19 - - link

• METHOD OF IDENTIFYING SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME CORONA VIRUS 2 (SARS-COV-2) RIBONUCLEIC ACID (RNA) - - link

• IMPROVEMENTS RELATED TO PARTICLE, INCLUDING SARS-CoV-2, DETECTION AND METHODS THEREFOR - - link

• DEEP LEARNING BASED SYSTEM FOR DETECTION OF COVID-19 DISEASE OF PATIENT AT INFECTION RISK - The present invention relates to Deep learning based system for detection of covid-19 disease of patient at infection risk. The objective of the present invention is to solve the problems in the prior art related to technologies of detection of covid-19 disease using CT scan image processing. - link

• A COMPREHENSIVE DISINFECTION SYSTEM DURING PANDEMIC FOR PERSONAL ITEMS AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) TO SAFEGUARD PEOPLE - The current Covid-19 pandemic has led to an enormous demand for gadgets / objects for personal protection. To prevent the spread of virus, it is important to disinfect commonly touched objects. One of the ways suggested is to use a personal UV-C disinfecting box that is “efficient and effective in deactivating the COVID-19 virus. The present model has implemented the use of a UV transparent material (fused silica quartz glass tubes) as the medium of support for the objects to be disinfected to increase the effectiveness of disinfection without compromising the load bearing capacity. Aluminum foil, a UV reflecting material, was used as the inner lining of the box for effective utilization of the UVC light emitted by the UVC lamps. Care has been taken to prevent leakage of UVC radiation out of the system. COVID-19 virus can be inactivated in 5 minutes by UVC irradiation in this disinfection box - link

• UBIQUITOUS COMPUTING SYSTEM FOR MENTAL HEALTH MONITORING OF PERSON DURING THE PANDEMIC OF COVID-19 - - link

• 一种预判重症新冠肺炎（COVID-19）的标志物及其产品和用途 - 本发明提供了一种预判重症疾病的标志物，所述的预判重症疾病的标志物为S100A12，序列为SEQ ID NO.1，所述的重症疾病为重症新冠肺炎、重症感染中的一种。S100A12基因作为标志物，在预判重症疾病时对全血中的S100A12基因的表达水平进行检测即可，无需对白细胞进行分离，简化检测流程。S100A12的表达水平可以指导感染类疾病包括新冠肺炎重症的预判，从而及早施治，降低病死率，具有很好的临床应用前景。 - link

• INDICATING SYSTEM - A visual indicating system for use with a hospital bed, the hospital bed comprising a bed frame extending between a head end and a foot end of the bed frame, the visual indicating system comprising: an indicating member adapted to be coupled with the bed frame wherein the indicating member comprises an indicia for indicating one of a plurality of pre-determined health conditions.

  FIGURE 1 - link

• USE OF IMINOSUGAR COMPOUND IN PREPARATION OF ANTI-SARS-COV-2 VIRUS DRUG - - link

• 一种高灵敏SARS-CoV-2中和抗体的检测方法、检测试剂盒 - 本发明公开了一种高灵敏SARS‑CoV‑2中和抗体的检测方法、检测试剂盒，属于生物医学检测技术领域，本发明试剂盒包括层析试纸、卡壳和样本稀释液，所述层析试纸包括底板、样品垫、结合垫、NC膜和吸水垫，所述NC膜上依次设置有捕获线、检测线和质控线，所述捕获线包被有ACE2蛋白，所述检测线包被有RBD蛋白，所述结合垫设置有RBD蛋白标记物；本发明采用阻断法加夹心法原理提高检测中和抗体的灵敏度，通过添加捕获线的方式，将靶向RBD的非中和抗体提前捕获，保证后续通过夹心法检测中和抗体的特异性。 - link