Importance SARS-CoV-2 infection directly causes severe acute respiratory illness, leading to systemic tissue hypoxia and ischemia including the heart. Myocardial cytopathy associated with hypoxic response has been largely overlooked in COVID-19 patients. Additionally, histology analysis and cardiac function of COVID-19 cases are often reported separately, rendering an incomplete understanding of COVID-19 cardiac symptoms. Objective To examine the relationship between myocardial cellular responses to hypoxic stress versus cardiac functional alterations within the same COVID-19 patients. Design, Setting, and Participants Cellular hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using post-mortem COVID-19 heart and lung tissues with known cardiac echocardiography records from a total of 8 patients. Clinical echocardiography data were obtained from Mount Sinai Heart between March to December, 2020. All gender and age groups were considered as long as cardiac involvement meets the preserved (EF > 50%) or moderate to severe (EF < 45%) criteria with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cell-type specific subcellular localization of HIF1α expression and nuclear stability was examined by immunohistochemistry and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to quantify apoptosis. Main Outcomes and Measures No planned outcomes of this study as this is a retrospective analysis based on post-mortem specimens exclusively. Results Cardiac HIF1α expression was found to be significantly higher in patients with preserved EF levels than it was in the low EF group. In the preserved EF group, HIF1α is protective against apoptosis predominantly in endothelial cells and cardiac fibroblasts. In the low EF group, HIF1α protects cardiomyocyte nuclear integrity as evident by its nuclear accumulation with nuclear envelope preservation. Conclusions and Relevance This study establishes a direct link of cardiac cellular responses to hypoxic stress with matching functional and histological data, serving as one of the first studies to bridge previous stand-alone clinical data and cellular data. The protective role of HIF1α in hearts may help predict cardiac involvement in not only COVID-19 patients, but also decipher the underlying mechanisms in other forms of viral cardiomyopathy.
Polls report nearly one-third of the United States population is skeptical or opposed to getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Most of these polls, as well as the scientific research that has been conducted on vaccine hesitancy, was done prior to vaccine eligibility opening to all adults. Now that COVID-19 vaccines are widely available, further research is needed to understand the factors contributing to vaccine intentions across the vaccine hesitancy spectrum. This study conducted an online survey using the Social Science Research Solution (SSRS) Opinion Panel web panelists, representative of U.S. adults age 18 and older who use the internet, with an oversample of rural-dwelling and minority populations between April 8 and April 22, 2021- as vaccine eligibility opened to the country. We examined the relationship between COVID-19 exposure and socio-demographics with vaccine intentions [eager-to-take, wait-and-see, undecided, refuse] among the unvaccinated using multinomial logistic regressions [ref: fully/partially vaccinated]. Results showed vaccine intentions varied by demographic characteristics and risk exposures during the period that eligibility for the vaccine was extended to all adults.
Objective: We aimed to determine antibody (Ab) titres 3 months after the second dose of the BNT162b2 coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccine and to explore clinical variables predicting these titres in Japan. Methods: We enrolled 378 healthcare workers (255 women, 123 men) whose blood samples were collected 91 plus or minus 15 days after the second of two inoculations of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech) given 3 weeks apart. Medical histories and demographic characteristics were recorded using a structured self-reported questionnaire. The relationships between Ab titres and these factors were analysed. Results: Median age (interquartile range [IQR]) of the participants was 44 (32-54) years. Median Ab titre (IQR) against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike antigen was 764 (423-1140) U/mL. Older participants had significantly lower Ab titres; median (IQR) Ab titres were 942 (675-1390) and 1095 (741-1613) U/mL in men and women in their 20s, respectively, but 490 (297-571) and 519 (285-761) U/mL in men and women in their 60s-70s, respectively. In the age-adjusted analysis, the only risk factors for lower Ab titres were male sex and smoking. However, the sex difference may have arisen from the sex difference in smoking rate. Moreover, Ab titres were significantly lower in current smokers than in ex-smokers. Conclusion: The most important factors associated with low Ab titres were age and smoking habit. In particular, current smoking status caused lower Ab titres, and smoking cessation before vaccination may improve the individual efficacy of the BNT162b2 vaccine.
Background Preventative strategies for preterm birth are lacking. Recent evidence proposed COVID-19 lockdowns may have contributed to changes in preterm birth. We aimed to determine the prevalence of preterm birth during the COVID-19 lockdown on the Sunshine Coast and in the state of Queensland, Australia. Methods Retrospective cohort analysis of all births in Queensland including the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, during two epochs, April 1-May 31, 2020 (lockdown) and June 1-July 31, 2020 (post-lockdown), compared to antecedent calendar-matched periods in 2018-2019. Prevalence of preterm birth, stillbirth, and late terminations were examined. Results There were 64,989 births in Queensland from April to July 2018-2020. At the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, there was a significantly higher chance of birth at term during both lockdown (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.17, 2.79; P=0.007) and post-lockdown (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.27, 3.18; P=0.003). At the same centre, prevalence of preterm birth was 5.5% (30/547) during lockdown, compared to 9.1% (100/1095) in previous years, a 40.0% relative reduction (P=0.016). At this centre during lockdown, emergency caesareans concurrently decreased (P=0.034) and vacuum-assisted births increased (P=0.036). In Queensland overall, there was a nonsignificant decrease in the prevalence of preterm birth during lockdown. Conclusions There is a link between lockdown and a reduction in the prevalence of preterm birth on the Sunshine Coast. The cause is speculative. Further research is needed to determine a causal link and assess if this can be translated into management which provides a sustained reduction in preterm birth and its associated morbidity and mortality.
Given the underestimate of seroprevalence in the US due to insufficient testing, accurate estimates of population immunity to SARS-CoV-2 or vaccinations do not exist. Although model-based estimates have been proposed, they require inputting unknown parameters such as viral reproduction number, longevity of immune response, and other dynamic factors. In contrast to a model-based approach for estimating population immunity, or simplistic summing of natural- and vaccine- induced immunity, the current study presents a data-driven statistical procedure for estimating the total immunity rate in a region using prospectively collected serological data along with state-level vaccination data. We present a detailed procedure so that efforts can be replicated regionally to inform policy-making decisions relevant to SARS-CoV-2. Specifically, we conducted a prospective longitudinal statewide cohort serological survey with 10,482 participants and more than 14,000 blood samples beginning on September 30, 2020. Along with Department of State Health Services vaccination data, as of July 4, 2021, the estimated percentage of those with naturally occurring antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in Texas is 35.3% (95% CI = (33.7%, 36.9%) and total estimated immunity is 69.1%.We conclude the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 is 4 times higher than the state-confirmed COVID-19 cases (8.8%). This methodology is integral to pandemic preparedness.
Background: People who inject drugs may be at elevated SARS-CoV-2 risk due to their living conditions and/or exposures when seeking or using drugs. No study to date has reported upon risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among people who inject drugs or sex workers. Methods and Findings: Between October, 2020 and June, 2021, participants aged ≥18 years from San Diego, California, USA and Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico who injected drugs within the last month underwent interviews and testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies. Binomial regressions identified correlates of SARS- CoV-2 seropositivity. Of 386 participants, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 36.3% (95% CI: 31.5%-41.1%); 92.1% had detectable IgM antibodies. Only 37.5% had previously been tested. Seroprevalence did not differ by country of residence. None tested RNA-positive. Most (89.5%) reported engaging in ≥1 protective behavior [e.g., facemasks (73.5%), social distancing (46.5%), or increasing handwashing/sanitizers (22.8%)]. In a multivariate model controlling for sex, older age, and Hispanic/Latinx/Mexican ethnicity were independently associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity, as was engaging in sex work (AdjRR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.18-2.27) and having been incarcerated in the past six months (AdjRR: 1.49; 95% CI: 0.97-2.27). Presence of comorbidities and substance using behaviors were not associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Conclusions: This is the first study to show that sex work and incarceration were independently associated with SARS- CoV-2 infection. Despite engaging in protective measures, over one-third had evidence of infection, reinforcing the need for a coordinated binational response. Risk mitigation and vaccination is especially needed among older and Hispanic people who inject drugs and those with less agency to protect themselves, such as those who are sex workers or incarcerated.
Aims: This systematic review aims to assess the impact of Balanced Scorecard (BSC) implementation at Health Care Organizations (HCOs) on Health Care Workers9 (HCWs9) satisfaction, patient satisfaction, and financial performance. Up to now, no previous systematic reviews have performed a comprehensive and rigorous methodological approach to figure out the impact of BSC implementation in HCOs. Methods: This systematic review was prepared according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases, as well as Google search engine, were inspected to find all BSC implementations at HCOs until 20 September 2020. Then the resulted articles were screened to find the implementations which measured the impact of BSC on HCWs9 satisfaction, patient satisfaction, and financial performance. Quality assessment was performed using the Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies: (StaRI) checklist. Results: Out of 4031 records, 20 articles were finally included for measuring one or more of the three impact types. 17 measured the impact of BSC on patient satisfaction, 7 on HCWs9 satisfaction, and 12 on financial performance. Studies with higher quality had a higher positive impact. Conclusion: This paper offers evidence to HCOs and policymakers on the benefits of implementing BSC. BSC implementations showed a positive impact on patient satisfaction and financial performance in HCOs. However, less impact was found on HCWs9 satisfaction, which should be given better consideration in future BSC implementations. High and medium-quality BSC studies were associated with higher positive impacts than low ones. BSC can be utilized as an effective tool to improve HCOs9 performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Immunization program against COVID-19 in India started with two vaccines; AstraZeneca ChAdOx1-nCov-19 (termed Covishield in India) and inactivated whole virion BBV152 (Covaxin); homologous prime-boost approach was followed. However, eighteen individuals, under the national program, inadvertently received Covishield as the first jab and Covaxin as the second. We compared the safety and immunogenicity profile of them against that of individuals receiving either Covishield or Covaxin (n=40 in each group). Lower and similar adverse events following immunization in all three groups underlined the safety of the combination vaccine-regime. Immunogenicity profile against Alpha, Beta and Delta variants in heterologous group was superior; IgG antibody and neutralising antibody response of the participants was also significantly higher compared to that in the homologous groups. The findings suggest that immunization with a combination of an adenovirus vector platform-based vaccine followed by an inactivated whole virus vaccine was not only safe but also elicited better immunogenicity.
Background: More than 122,000 COVID-19 associated deaths have been reported in Colombia and about 27,000 in the city of Bogotá by the first week of August, with vaccination coverage in the city at 30% for complete schemes and at 37% for partial vaccination. As the incidence of cases currently decreases, questions remain about the potential impact of the delta variant already present in the city. Methods: We used an agent-based model calibrated to data on age- structured deaths and dominance of variants in Bogotá. We used efficacy data for the portfolio of vaccines available, including known changes for SARS-CoV-2 variants. We modelled scenarios of early and delayed introduction of the delta variant in the city along with changes in mobility and social contact, and vaccine strategies over the next months. Findings: We estimate that by mid July, vaccination may have already prevented 17,800 (95% CrI: 16,000 - 19,000) deaths in Bogotá. The delta variant could become dominant and lead to a fourth wave later in the year, but its timing will depend on the date of introduction, social mixing patterns, and vaccination strategy. In all scenarios, higher social mixing is associated with a fourth wave of considerable magnitude. If an early delta introduction occurred (dominance by mid July), a new wave may occur in August/September and in such case, age prioritization of vaccination and second dose not postponed are more important. However, if introduction occurred one or two months later (dominance by mid August/September) the age-prioritization is less relevant but maintaining the dose scheme without postponement is more important. In all scenarios we found that increasing the vaccination rate from the current average of 50,000/day to 100,000/day reduces the impact of a fourth wave due to the delta variant. Conclusions: In Bogotá, the delta variant could still lead to a fourth wave, whose magnitude would depend on its introduction time and the level of social mixing. Its impact can be mitigated by increasing vaccination rates to achieve high coverage quickly, with non-delayed second doses. We found that, at this point, suspending the age prioritization to achieve higher coverage with first doses does not seem to have a major effect on deaths and ICU demand. But, delaying the second dose may not be beneficial and may even increase the incidence of severe outcomes.
Objectives: This paper examines differences in vaccination coverage and hesitancy for people in vaccine priority groups. Design, setting, participants: Using data from 2,400 Australians who participated in two waves of the Taking the Pulse of the Nation survey in April and May 2021, we describe vaccination coverage and hesitancy among vaccine priority groups including people with disability, people living with a severe mental health condition, a severe long- term health condition, those requiring frequent assistance with everyday activities, and people who provide paid or unpaid care. Main outcome measures: The proportion of the sample who were vaccinated and who were vaccine hesitant, for the whole sample and for vaccine priority groups, disaggregated by age group and gender. Results: COVID-19 vaccine coverage was estimated to be 8.2% overall, higher for people with severe long term health conditions (13.4%) and lower for people with severe mental health conditions (4.3%). Vaccine hesitancy was high overall (35.6%) and was found to be lower for people with disability (30.3%), with severe long term health conditions (27.7%), with frequent need for assistance (24.2%) and carers (30.7%), but similar for those with severe mental health conditions (36.1%). Conclusions: Low vaccination coverage and high hesitancy for people in the priority groups leaves many people at significant risk of serious disease or death if infected with COVID-19. These findings demonstrate the urgent need for governments to enable easy access to vaccination for people in priority groups and to develop communication strategies to promote vaccination uptake, co-designed with the priority groups.
Abstract Background: Bacterial co-infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality during viral infections including COVID-19. Systematic testing of COVID-19 patients having bacterial co-infections is essential to select the correct antibiotic for treatment in order to reduce mortality and also prevent spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence, demographic parameters, antibiotic sensitivity patterns and outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with bacterial co-infections. Methods: A total of 1019 COVID-19 patients were selected for the study. We analyzed the prevalence, antibiotic sensitivity pattern and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients having bacterial co-infections. Results: Out of a total 1019 COVID-19 patients screened, 5.2% of patients demonstrated clinical signs of bacterial co-infection. Bacteremia was found in majority of the patients followed by respiratory and urinary infections. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella spp. were most common isolates among the Gram-negative and Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CONS) and Staphylococcus aureus among the Gram-positive bacterial infections. Antibiotic sensitivity profiling revealed that colistin, imipenem and fosfomycin were the most effective drugs against the Gram-negative isolates while vancomycin, teicoplanin and doxycycline against the Gram-positive isolates. Analysis of clinical outcomes revealed that the mortality rate was higher (39%) among the patients with bacterial co-infections as compared to the group without co-infection (17%). Conclusions: This study reveals that the rate of bacterial co-infections is significantly increasing among COVID-19 patients and leading to increase in mortality. Systematic testing of bacterial co-infections is therefore essential in COVID-19 patients for better clinical outcomes and to reduce AMR.
Discovery of a biomarker for patients at high risk of progression to severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is critical for clinical management, particularly in areas of the world where widespread vaccine distribution and herd immunity have yet to be achieved. Herein, we characterize peripheral blood from 218 COVID-19 patients with flow cytometry and provide evidence that megakaryocytes are a target for infection by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We demonstrate a positive correlation between infected megakaryocytes expressing the protein calprotectin (also called S100A8/A9), a known marker of COVID-19 severity. Additionally, we show that infected, calprotectin expressing megakaryocytes are correlated with COVID-19 severity and are a prognostic indicator of 30-day clinical outcomes including respiratory failure, thrombotic events, acute kidney injury (AKI), ICU admission, and mechanical ventilation. These findings represent a novel SARS-CoV-2 infection target with significant clinical implications as a biomarker for clinical outcomes associated with severe COVID-19.
Echinacea Drug for Covid-19 - Condition: Covid19
Intervention: Drug: ECHINACEA ARKOPHARMA
Sponsors:
Jesús R. Requena; IDIS; SALUD; Laboratoires Arkopharma
Recruiting
Study of Allogeneic Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Treat Post COVID-19 “Long Haul” Pulmonary Compromise - Condition: Covid19
Interventions: Biological: COVI-MSC; Biological: Placebo
Sponsor: Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.
Not yet recruiting
Clinical Trial For Early SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Treatment - Condition: Covid19
Interventions: Drug: Hydroxychloroquine; Drug: Favipiravir; Drug: Favipiravir + Hydroxychloroquine; Drug: Placebo
Sponsor: Health Institutes of Turkey
Completed
SOLIDARITY Finland Long COVID-19 - Condition: Covid19
Intervention: Drug: Remdesivir
Sponsors:
Clinical Urology and Epidemiology Working Group; University of Helsinki; World Health Organization; Helsinki University Central Hospital; Hyvinkää Hospital; Kanta-Häme Central Hospital; Kuopio University Hospital; Oulu University Hospital; Porvoo Hospital; Seinajoki Central Hospital; Mikkeli Central Hospital; Tampere University Hospital
Recruiting
ACTIV-5 / Big Effect Trial (BET-C) for the Treatment of COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Drug: Danicopan; Other: Placebo; Drug: Remdesivir
Sponsor: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Recruiting
Project FLUx COntact-CoVID-19 Faculty of Medicine Paris-Saclay - Condition: Covid19
Interventions: Other: Antigenic tests (on saliva samples); Other: Individual electronic sensor port; Other: Atmospheric measurements of CO2
Sponsor:
Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris
Not yet recruiting
Phase I/II Study of COVID-19 DNA Vaccine (AG0302-COVID19 High-dose) - Condition: COVID-19 Lower Respiratory Infection
Interventions: Biological: AG0302-COVID19 for Intramuscular Injection; Biological: AG0302-COVID19 for Intradermal Injection
Sponsors: AnGes, Inc.; Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
Not yet recruiting
Efficacy of Canrenone as add-on Treatment in Moderate to Severe ARDS in COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Intervention:
Drug: Potassium Canrenoate
Sponsors: Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico; University of Milan; IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna
Not yet recruiting
COVID-19 Administration of Single-Dose Subcutaneous or Intramuscular Anti- Spike(s) SARS-CoV-2 Monoclonal Antibodies Casirivimab and Imdevimab in High-Risk Pediatric Participants Under 12 Years of Age - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Drug: casirivimab and imdevimab
Sponsor:
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Not yet recruiting
Reactogenicity, Safety, and Immunogenicity of Covid-19 Vaccine Booster - Condition: Covid19
Interventions: Biological: Placebo; Biological: Inactivated vaccine booster; Biological: mRNA vaccine booster; Drug: Viral vector vaccine booster
Sponsors: Universidad del Desarrollo; Ministry of Health, Chile; University of Chile; Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
Active, not recruiting
The Efficacy of Nigella Sativa Versus VitaminD3 as Supplement Therapy in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Condition: Covid19
Intervention: Dietary Supplement: Nigella Sativa capsule twice daily
Sponsor: Ain Shams University
Recruiting
Efficacy, Immunogenicity and Safety of COVID-19 Vaccine , Inactivated in Children and Adolescents - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Biological: Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccine; Biological: Controlled vaccine
Sponsor: Sinovac Research and Development Co., Ltd.
Recruiting
Immunogenicity And Safety of COVID-19 Vaccine , Inactivated Co -Administration With Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine And 23-valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Biological: Experimental Group1; Biological: Experimental Group 2; Biological: Experimental Group 3
Sponsor:
Sinovac Research and Development Co., Ltd.
Not yet recruiting
Study to Evaluate the Immunogenicity and Safety of Heterologous SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Schemes in an Elderly Population - Condition: COVID-19 Vaccines
Intervention: Drug: Gam-COVID-Vac / Gam-COVID-Vac
Sponsor: Ministerio de Salud de Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires
Recruiting
Collaborative Study to Evaluate Heterologous Vaccination Against Covid-19 in Aargentina - Conditions: COVID-19 VACCINE; Covid19
Intervention: Biological: COVID-19 vaccines
Sponsor: Ministry of Public Health, Argentina
Not yet recruiting
HD5 and LL-37 Inhibit SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 Binding to Human ACE2 by Molecular Simulation - The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is still spreading all over the world. As reported, angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is a receptor of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that initializes viral entry into host cells. Previously, the human defensin 5 (HD5) has been experimentally confirmed to be functional against the SARS-CoV-2. The present study proposes a human cathelicidin known as LL37 that strongly binds to the carboxypeptidase domain of human ACE2 compared to HD5. Therefore, LL37 bears a…
SARS-CoV-2 Infection Remodels the Phenotype and Promotes Angiogenesis of Primary Human Lung Endothelial Cells - SARS-CoV-2-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury are life-threatening manifestations of severe viral infection. The pathogenic mechanisms that lead to respiratory complications, such as endothelialitis, intussusceptive angiogenesis, and vascular leakage remain unclear. In this study, by using an immunofluorescence assay and in situ RNA-hybridization, we demonstrate the capability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect human primary lung microvascular endothelial cells…
An Evolving Technology That Integrates Classical Methods with Continuous Technological Developments: Thin-Layer Chromatography Bioautography - Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) bioautography is an evolving technology that integrates the separation and analysis technology of TLC with biological activity detection technology, which has shown a steep rise in popularity over the past few decades. It connects TLC with convenient, economic and intuitive features and bioautography with high levels of sensitivity and specificity. In this study, we discuss the research progress of TLC bioautography and then establish a definite timeline to…
Unravelling the Phytochemical Composition and the Pharmacological Properties of an Optimized Extract from the Fruit from Prunus mahaleb L.: From Traditional Liqueur Market to the Pharmacy Shelf - Prunus mahaleb L. fruit has long been used in the production of traditional liqueurs. The fruit also displayed scavenging and reducing activity, in vitro. The present study focused on unravelling peripheral and central protective effects, antimicrobial but also anti-COVID-19 properties exerted by the water extract of P. mahaleb. Anti-inflammatory effects were studied in isolated mouse colons exposed to lipopolysaccharide. Neuroprotection, measured as a blunting effect on…
Copper-Silver Nanohybrids: SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitory Surfaces - The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains a severe health threat. The COVID-19 infections occurring in humans and animals render human-animal interfaces hot spots for spreading the pandemic. Lessons from the past point towards the antiviral properties of copper formulations; however, data showing the “contact-time limit” surface inhibitory efficacy of copper formulations to contain SARS-CoV-2 are limited. Here, we show the rapid inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 after only…
Mitochondrial Modulations, Autophagy Pathways Shifts in Viral Infections: Consequences of COVID-19 - Mitochondria are vital intracellular organelles that play an important role in regulating various intracellular events such as metabolism, bioenergetics, cell death (apoptosis), and innate immune signaling. Mitochondrial fission, fusion, and membrane potential play a central role in maintaining mitochondrial dynamics and the overall shape of mitochondria. Viruses change the dynamics of the mitochondria by altering the mitochondrial processes/functions, such as autophagy, mitophagy, and enzymes…
The Good and Bad of Nrf2: An Update in Cancer and New Perspectives in COVID-19 - Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a well-known transcription factor best recognised as one of the main regulators of the oxidative stress response. Beyond playing a crucial role in cell defence by transactivating cytoprotective genes encoding antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes, Nrf2 is also implicated in a wide network regulating anti-inflammatory response and metabolic reprogramming. Such a broad spectrum of actions renders the factor a key regulator of cell fate and a…
Boosted Pro-Inflammatory Activity in Human PBMCs by Lipopolysaccharide and SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Is Regulated by alpha-1 Antitrypsin - For the treatment of severe COVID-19, supplementation with human plasma-purified α-1 antitrypsin (AAT) to patients is currently considered. AAT inhibits host proteases that facilitate viral entry and possesses broad anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Researchers have demonstrated that an interaction between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) enhances pro-inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo. Hence, we wanted to understand the potential…
SARS-CoV-2 Cellular Entry Is Independent of the ACE2 Cytoplasmic Domain Signaling - Recently emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-1 and -2 initiate virus infection by binding of their spike glycoprotein with the cell-surface receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and enter into the host cells mainly via the clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathway. However, the internalization process post attachment with the receptor is not clear for both SARS-CoV-1 and -2. Understanding the cellular factor/s or pathways used by these CoVs for internalization…
Plitidepsin: Mechanisms and Clinical Profile of a Promising Antiviral Agent against COVID-19 - Current standard treatment of COVID-19 lacks in effective antiviral options. Plitidepsin, a cyclic depsipeptide authorized in Australia for patients with refractory multiple myeloma, has recently emerged as a candidate anti-SARS- CoV-2 agent. The aim of this review was to summarize current knowledge on plitidepsin’s clinical profile, anti-tumour and anti-SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms and correlate this with available or anticipated, preclinical or clinical evidence on the drug’s potential for COVID-19…
Blue Biotechnology: Computational Screening of Sarcophyton Cembranoid Diterpenes for SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibition - The coronavirus pandemic has affected more than 150 million people, while over 3.25 million people have died from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As there are no established therapies for COVID-19 treatment, drugs that inhibit viral replication are a promising target; specifically, the main protease (M^(pro)) that process CoV-encoded polyproteins serves as an Achilles heel for assembly of replication-transcription machinery as well as down-stream viral replication. In the search for…
Celecoxib Analogues for Cancer Treatment: An Update on OSU-03012 and 2,5-Dimethyl-Celecoxib - Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an important enzyme involved in prostaglandins biosynthesis from arachidonic acid. COX-2 is frequently overexpressed in human cancers and plays a major tumor promoting function. Accordingly, many efforts have been devoted to efficiently target the catalytic site of this enzyme in cancer cells, by using COX-2 specific inhibitors such as celecoxib. However, despite their potent anti-tumor properties, the myriad of detrimental effects associated to the chronic inhibition…
Interference of Polydatin/Resveratrol in the ACE2:Spike Recognition during COVID-19 Infection. A Focus on Their Potential Mechanism of Action through Computational and Biochemical Assays - In the search for new therapeutic strategies to contrast SARS-CoV-2, we here studied the interaction of polydatin (PD) and resveratrol (RESV)-two natural stilbene polyphenols with manifold, well known biological activities-with Spike, the viral protein essential for virus entry into host cells, and ACE2, the angiotensin-converting enzyme present on the surface of multiple cell types (including respiratory epithelial cells) which is the main host receptor for Spike binding. Molecular Docking…
Efficiency of pooled surveillance testing in academic labs to detect and inhibit COVID-19 outbreaks - Robust surveillance testing is a key strategic plan to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks and slow the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic; however, limited resources, facilities and time often impair the implementation of a widespread surveillance effort. To mitigate these resource limitations, we employed a strategy of pooling samples, reducing reagent cost and processing time. Through utilizing academic faculty and labs, successful pooled surveillance testing was conducted throughout Fall 2020 semester…
Camellia nitidissima C.W.Chi Caffeine and Chlorogenic acid composition for anti-SARS-CoV-2 and preparation method and application thereof - - link
A Novel Method COVID -19 infection using Deep Learning Based System - - link
A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COVID- 19 DIAGNOSIS USING DETECTION RESULTS FROM CHEST X- RAY IMAGES - - link
Mascarilla impermeable - - link
Advanced Machine Learning System combating COVID-19 virus Detection, Spread, Prevention and Medical Assistance. - - link
一种包装重组流感病毒的重组载体和重组流感病毒及其构建方法和应用 - 本发明提供了一种包装重组流感病毒的重组载体和重组流感病毒及其构建方法和应用，涉及生物医药技术领域。本发明利用A型流感病毒八个基因片段为骨架包装出带有新型冠状病毒SARS‑CoV‑2表面刺突蛋白受体结合域（SARS‑CoV‑2_RBD）片段的重组流感病毒，此重组流感病毒可在复制过程中表达具有生物学活性和免疫原性的刺突蛋白受体结合区域RBD。本发明所述重组流感病毒rgH1N1（PR8）‑PA‑RBD可作为重组病毒类药物，用于2019新型冠状病毒肺炎（COVID‑19）的预防；也可作为体外SARS‑COV‑2 RBD等相关抗原表达和体内递呈系统。 - link
Differential detection kit for common SARS-CoV-2 variants in COVID-19 patients - - link
新型冠状病毒B.1.525尼日利亚突变株RBD的基因及其应用 - 本发明属于生物技术领域，具体涉及新型冠状病毒B.1.525尼日利亚突变株RBD的基因及其应用。本发明的新型冠状病毒B.1.525尼日利亚突变株RBD的基因，其核苷酸序列如SEQ ID NO.1或SEQ ID NO.6所示。本发明通过优化野生型新型冠状病毒B.1.525尼日利亚突变株RBD的基因序列，并结合筛选确定了相对最佳序列，优化后序列产生的克隆表达效率比野生型新型冠状病毒B.1.525尼日利亚突变株RBD序列表达效率大幅提高，从而，本发明的新型冠状病毒B.1.525尼日利亚突变株RBD的基因可以用于制备新型冠状病毒疫苗。 - link
一种新型冠状病毒的mRNA疫苗 - 本发明公开了一种新型冠状病毒的mRNA疫苗。本发明提供的疫苗，其活性成分为mRNA，如序列表的序列6所示。本发明还保护TF‑RBD蛋白，如序列表的序列2所示。本发明的发明人通过一系列序列设计和序列优化得到了特异DNA分子，进一步构建了特异重组质粒，将特异重组质粒进行体外转录，可以得到多聚化TF‑RBD mRNA。进一步的，发明人制备了负载TF‑RBD mRNA的脂质纳米粒。本发明对于新型冠状病毒的防控具有重大的应用推广价值。 - link
新型冠状病毒B．1．1．7英国突变株RBD的基因及其应用 - 本发明属于生物技术领域，具体涉及新型冠状病毒B．1．1．7英国突变株RBD的基因及其应用。本发明的新型冠状病毒B．1．1．7英国突变株RBD的基因，其核苷酸序列如SEQ ID NO.1或SEQ ID NO.6所示。本发明通过优化野生型新型冠状病毒B．1．1．7英国突变株RBD的基因序列，并结合筛选确定了相对最佳序列，优化后序列产生的克隆表达效率比野生型新型冠状病毒B．1．1．7英国突变株RBD序列表达效率大幅提高，从而，本发明的新型冠状病毒B．1．1．7英国突变株RBD的基因更有利于用于制备新型冠状病毒疫苗。 - link