Covid-19 Sentry

Contents

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

From Preprints

• Self-Interest Bias in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Cultural Comparison between the United States and China -
  In the global crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries attempt to enforce new social norms to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus. A key to the success of these measures is the individual adherence to norms that are collectively beneficial to contain the spread of the pandemic. However, individuals’ self-interest bias (i.e., the prevalent tendency to license own but not others’ self-serving acts or norm violations) can pose a challenge to the success of such measures. The current research examines COVID-19-related self-interest bias from a cross-cultural perspective. Two studies (N = 1,558) sampled from the United States and China consistently revealed that participants from the United States evaluated their own self-serving acts (exploiting test kits in Study 1; social gathering and sneezing without covering the mouth in public in Study 2) as more acceptable than identical deeds of others, while such self-interest bias did not emerge among Chinese participants. Cultural underpinnings of independent versus interdependent self-construal may influence the extent to which individuals apply self-interest bias to justifications of their own self-serving behaviors during the pandemic.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Self-Interest Bias in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Cultural Comparison between the United States and China
• Research Article What Impact has SARS-CoV-2/Covid-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers (HCWs) Mortality & Infections across 36 states & union territories of India? How to prevent mortality & morbidity of HCWs? -
  Abstract: Background: The ongoing coronavirus pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2/covid-19/novel coronavirus is an acute infectious communicable disease spreading mainly via respiratory, eye, mouth and other possible routes from person to person as well as through contact with infected non living objects. The pandemic has massively increased healthcare systems burden due to high hospitals admission rate, infection rates, morbidity, and mortality. QALY (quality adjusted life years) & DALY (disability adjusted life years) are also important for consideration of impact of this pandemic. The healthcare systems is under constant massive pressure to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus & a huge part of this responsibility is being shouldered by frontline health care workers including doctors, nurses, paramedical workers, ASHAs and Anganwadi services etc. Hence HCWs are inevitably and routinely exposed to the virus hence naturally are at high risk of infection, possible mortality & morbidities. Objectives: The key objective is to find out impact of SARS-CoV-2/Covid-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers (HCWs) Mortality & Infections across 36 states & union territories of India. What are the reasons of mortality and morbidity & How to prevent mortality & morbidity of HCWs? Methodology/settings & design (search strategy-Research Methods): Several databases were searched for deaths of HCWs in India between January 2019 and 18th May 2021, including MoHFW website, PUBMED, WHO COVID-19 database, COVID-19 Study Register, and Google scholar. The search terms used were: “healthcare providers /health care workers/nurses- death in India due to COVID-19”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “Coronavirus,” using Google search. Whatever data obtained is tabulated. Results: There is increase in mortality of HCWs in India. The data is not available completely in my search. Beside increased death I have found a lot of controversy and questions raised on the issue of this data. There is lot of discrepancy in data given by Government and other sources. According to the Indian Medical Association, 244 doctors have lost their lives due to Covid in the second wave. Of them, 50 deaths were recorded on Sunday. The highest number of fatalities have been reported from Bihar (69) followed by Uttar Pradesh (34) and Delhi (27) . Conclusion: The government and other agencies should collect and provide the data publicly so that it can be analysed by different sections of researchers to give feedback which will help in making policies helpful to protect HCWs. A large number of medical staffs are infected due to the lack of adequate protection. Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic is growing day by day with lack of essential facilities for treatment. Some experts have warned of a possible third wave of COVID-19. Keywords: Healthcare workers (HCWs), covid-19 infection, safety, pandemic, Mortality, Doctors, Nurses, Death, India
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Research Article What Impact has SARS-CoV-2/Covid-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers (HCWs) Mortality & Infections across 36 states & union territories of India? How to prevent mortality & morbidity of HCWs?
• Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity by a Rapid Antigen Detection Test -

  The identification and isolation of highly infectious SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals is an important public health strategy. Rapid antigen detection tests (RADT) are promising candidates for large-scale screenings due to timely results and feasibility for on-site testing. Nonetheless, the diagnostic performance of RADT in detecting infectious individuals is yet to be fully determined. Two combined oro- and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from individuals at a routine SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic center. Side-by-side evaluations of RT-qPCR and RADT as well as live virus cultures of positive samples were performed to determine the sensitivity of the Standard Q COVID-19 Ag Test (SD Biosensor/Roche) in detecting SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals with cultivable virus. A total of 2,028 samples were tested and 118 virus cultures inoculated. SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in 210 samples by RT-qPCR, representing a positive rate of 10.36%. The Standard Q COVID-19 Ag Test yielded a positive result in 92 (4.54%) samples resulting in an overall sensitivity and specificity of 42.86% and 99.89%. For adjusted Ct values <20, <25, and <30 the RADT reached sensitivities of 100%, 98.15%, and 88.64%, respectively. All 29 culture positive samples were detected by RADT. While overall sensitivity was low, Standard Q COVID-19 RADT reliably detected patients with high RNA loads. Additionally, negative RADT results fully corresponded with the lack of viral cultivability in Vero E6 cells. These results indicate that RADT can be a valuable tool for the detection of individuals that are likely to transmit SARS-CoV-2. RADT testing could therefore guide public health testing strategies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity by a Rapid Antigen Detection Test
• An imperfect tool: contact tracing could provide valuable reductions in COVID-19 transmission if good adherence can be achieved and maintained. -

  Emerging evidence suggests that contact tracing has had limited success in the UK in reducing the R number across the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigate potential pitfalls and areas for improvement by extending an existing branching process contact tracing model, adding diagnostic testing and refining parameter estimates. Our results demonstrate that reporting and adherence are the most important predictors of programme impact but tracing coverage and speed plus diagnostic sensitivity also play an important role. We conclude that well-implemented contact tracing could bring small but potentially important benefits to controlling and preventing outbreaks, providing up to a 15% reduction in R, and reaffirm that contact tracing is not currently appropriate as the sole control measure.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: An imperfect tool: contact tracing could provide valuable reductions in COVID-19 transmission if good adherence can be achieved and maintained.
• The Impact of Pandemic to Medium, Small and Medium Enterprises and Digital Platforms in Indonesia -
  The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic caused Indonesia’s economy to experience deflation, the group whose income is not affected prefer to save rather than spending their money, this happen with consideration that no one knows when the Covid-19 pandemic will end and when will the the situation return to normal. The pandemic has decreased people’s income and purchasing power. People saving are decreased used for consumption needs, especially for the employee that’s terminated from the the company or has been laid off, this cases resulting in and increasingly depleted source of household funds.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: The Impact of Pandemic to Medium, Small and Medium Enterprises and Digital Platforms in Indonesia
• The Importance of Supporting MSMEs’ Digitalization in Indonesia -
  Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have a very vital role in the development and economic growth in Indonesia. According to the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, in 2020, MSMEs have a total of 60% contribution to the Gross Domestic Bruto and 90% contribution to the national workforce absorption. Therefore, the recovery of MSMEs is very important for the well-being of the national economy. The Covid-19 pandemic must encourage MSMEs actors to transform their businesses if they want to survive. Business digitalization during the Covid-19 pandemic is growing faster. Therefore, the recovery of MSMEs cannot be separated from the utilization of information technology.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: The Importance of Supporting MSMEs’ Digitalization in Indonesia
• Pregnancy and birth outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in pregnancy -

  Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is associated with significant maternal morbidity and increased rates of preterm birth. For this reason, COVID-19 vaccine administration in pregnancy has been endorsed by multiple professional societies including ACOG and SMFM despite exclusion of pregnant women from initial clinical trials of vaccine safety and efficacy. However, to date little data exists regarding outcomes after COVID-19 vaccination of pregnant patients. Study Design: A comprehensive vaccine registry was combined with a delivery database for an integrated healthcare system to create a delivery cohort including vaccinated patients. Maternal sociodemographic data were examined univariately for factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Pregnancy and birth outcomes were analyzed, including a composite measure of maternal and neonatal pregnancy complications, the Adverse Outcome Index. Results: Of 2002 patients in the delivery cohort, 140 (7.0%) received a COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and 212 (10.6%) experienced a COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. The median gestational age at first vaccination was 32 weeks (range 13 6/7-40 4/7), and patients vaccinated during pregnancy were less likely than unvaccinated patients to experience COVID-19 infection prior to delivery (1.4% (2/140) vs. 11.3% (210/1862)) P<0.001No maternal COVID-19 infections occurred after vaccination during pregnancy. Factors significantly associated with increased likelihood of vaccination included older age, higher level of maternal education, lower pre-pregnancy BMI, and use of infertility treatment for the current pregnancy. Tobacco or other substance use, Hispanic ethnicity, and higher gravidity were associated with a lower likelihood of vaccination. No significant difference in the composite adverse outcome (5.0% (7/140) vs. 4.9% (91/1862) P=0.95) or other maternal or neonatal complications, including thromboembolic events and preterm birth, was observed in vaccinated mothers compared to unvaccinated patients. Conclusions: Vaccinated pregnant women in this birth cohort were less likely to experience COVID-19 infection compared to unvaccinated pregnant patients, and COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was not associated with increased pregnancy or delivery complications. Significant sociodemographic disparities in vaccine uptake and/or access were observed among pregnant patients, and future efforts should focus on outreach to low-uptake populations.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Pregnancy and birth outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in pregnancy
• Comparison of dried blood spots and venous blood for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a population of nursing home residents -

  In the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, testing for SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies is paramount to monitor immune responses in post-authorization vaccination and sero-epidemiology studies. However, large scale and iterative serological testing by venipuncture in older persons can be challenging. Capillary blood sampled using a finger prick and collected on protein saver cards, i.e. dried blood spots (DBS), has already proven to be a promising alternative. However, elderly persons have a reduced cutaneous microvasculature, which may affect DBS-based antibody testing. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the performance of DBS for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in nursing homes residents. We collected venous blood and paired Whatman and EUROIMMUN DBS from nursing home residents, and from staff as a reference population. Venous blood samples were analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using the Abbot chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). DBS were analyzed by the EUROIMMUN enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. We performed a statistical assessment to optimize the ELISA cut-off value for the DBS using the Youden9s J index. A total of 273 paired DBS-serum samples were analyzed, of which 129 were positive as assessed by the reference test. The sensitivities and specificities of DBS ranged from 95% to 97.1% and from 97.1% to 98.8%, respectively, depending on population (residents or staff) or DBS card type. These results demonstrate that DBS sampling is a valid alternative to venepuncture for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the elderly.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Comparison of dried blood spots and venous blood for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a population of nursing home residents
• SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine-Induced Antibody Response and Reinfection in Persons with Past Natural Infection -

  Several studies have shown that subjects with a history of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection had significantly higher antibody titers than previously uninfected vaccinees after vaccination with mRNA vaccine. Yet no information is available for other vaccines. In the current observational cohort study, 105 health care workers who had received Covishield an Adeno associated viral vector-based DNA vaccine were enrolled at Sarojini Nadu Medical College Agra, India. The study included 40 (23 men and 17 women) subjects with a previous history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and 65 participants (39 men and 26 women) who were not infected previously. Both the groups received the adenovirus vector vaccine ChAdOx1-S recombinant vaccines (Covishield, Astra Zeneca). The levels of SARS-CoV-2-anti-spike-IgG-antibodies titer were measured using Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay on Roche platform as arbitrary units per milliliter (AU/ml). After 28 days of the second dose, subjects with no previous SARSCoV-2 infection showed a significantly lower level of circulating anti-spike-IgG-antibody titers compared to previously infected participants. After the second dose, we also observed a significant increase in SARS-CoV-2 infection in subjects with no prior history of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to subjects with a previous history of natural infection. The most important observation of the study is a low percentage of infection in previously infected subjects. The finding of the study also indicates the presence of robust humoral memory response in previously infected patients.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine-Induced Antibody Response and Reinfection in Persons with Past Natural Infection
• Phylogenomics and population genomics of SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico reveals variants of interest (VOI) and a mutation in the Nucleocapsid protein associated with symptomatic versus asymptomatic carriers -

  Understanding the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 virus in various regions of the world during the Covid19 pandemic is of the utmost importance to help mitigate the effects of this devastating disease. We describe the phylogenomic and population genetic patterns of the virus in Mexico during the pre-vaccination stage, including asymptomatic carriers. Our RT-qPCR screening and phylogenomics directed a sequence/structure analysis of the Spike glycoprotein, revealing mutation of concern E484K in genomes from central Mexico, in addition to the nationwide prevalence of the imported variant 20C/S:452R (B.1.427/9). Overall, the detected variants in Mexico show mutations in the N-terminal domain (i.e., R190M), in the receptor-binding motif (i.e., T478K, E484K), within the S1-S2 subdomains (i.e., P681R/H, T732A), and at the basis of the protein, V1176F, raising concerns about the lack of phenotypic and clinical data available for the postulated variants of interest (VOIs) 20B/478K.V1 and P.3. Moreover, the population patterns of Single Nucleotide Variants (SNVs) from symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers sampled with a self-sampling scheme, revealed a bimodal distribution of polymorphisms in all three sampled localities from central Mexico, and confirmed the presence of several fixed variants, mostly from the 241T-3037T-14408T-23403G haplotype common in Asia. Despite gene flow among Mexican localities, we found differences in both the allelic frequencies among localities and the allelic imbalance of the mutation S194L of the nucleocapsid protein between symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers. Our results highlight the dual role of Spike and Nucleocapsid proteins in adaptive evolution of SARS-CoV-2 to their hosts and provide a baseline for specific follow-up of mutations of concern during the vaccination stage in Mexico.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Phylogenomics and population genomics of SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico reveals variants of interest (VOI) and a mutation in the Nucleocapsid protein associated with symptomatic versus asymptomatic carriers
• Will there be a third COVID-19 wave? A SVEIRD model based study of Indian situation. -

  Since first patient detected in India in late February, 2020, SARS-CoV-II virus is playing havoc on India. After the first wave, India is now riding the 2nd wave. As was in the case of European countries like Italy and UK, the 2nd wave is more contagious and at the time of writing this paper, the per day infection is as high as 400,000. The alarming thing is it is not uncommon that people is getting infected multiple time. On the other hand, mass vaccination has started step by step. There is also growing danger of potential 3rd wave is unavoidable, which can even infect kids and minors. In this situation, an estimation of the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 is absolutely necessary to combat the pandemic. We have used a modified SEIRD model, that includes vaccination and repeat infection as well. We have studied India and 8 Indian states with varying SARS-CoV-2 infection. We have shown that, Covid-19 wave will be repeated time to time, but the intensity will slow down with time. In most possible situation, our calculation shows COVID-19 will remain as endemic for foreseeable future, unless we are able to increase our vaccination rate manifold.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Will there be a third COVID-19 wave? A SVEIRD model based study of Indian situation.
• Evaluation of High Flow Local Extraction on control of the aerosol plume in an operating theatre -

  Background Engineering controls are a necessity for minimising aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2, yet so far, little attention has been given to such interventions. High flow local extraction (HFLE) is a standard in other industries that deal with airborne contaminants. This study provides a quantitative evaluation of an HFLE concept feasible to implement in most real clinical settings. Method A unique combined experimental model of Laser sheet illumination videography paired with continuous nanoparticle counts was used to quantitatively assess the impact of HFLE in an operating theatre. Propylene Glycol was aerosolised via a customised physiological lung simulator and dispersion was measured in 3 dimensions. Cumulative probability heat maps were generated to describe aerosol behaviour. Continuous particle counts were made at 15 locations throughout the room to validate laser assessments. Results HFLE effectively reduced dispersion of simulated exhaled aerosols to undetectable levels. With the HFLE in operation and optimally positioned, the aerosol plume was tightly controlled. Particle counts remained at baseline when HFLE was active. HFLE becomes less effective with increasing distance from source. Plume behaviour in the absence of HFLE was highly variable and unpredictable. Conclusions This analysis demonstrates great potential for HFLE to have a significant impact in reducing aerosol transmission. Simple HFLE devices can be easily engineered and could be widely deployed without impacting on the safe delivery of care. Keywords: aerosol; high flow local extraction; aerosol-generating procedure; tracheal intubation; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; plume; personal protective equipment; engineering controls

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Evaluation of High Flow Local Extraction on control of the aerosol plume in an operating theatre
• Large-scale genomic study reveals robust activation of the immune system following advanced Inner Engineering meditation retreat. -
  The positive impact of meditation on human wellbeing is well documented, yet its molecular mechanisms are incompletely understood. We applied a comprehensive systems biology approach starting with whole blood gene expression profiling combined with multi-level bioinformatic analyses to characterize the co-expression, transcriptional, and protein-protein interaction networks to identify meditation-specific core network after an advanced 8-day Inner Engineering retreat program. We found the response to oxidative stress, detoxification, and cell cycle regulation pathways were downregulated after meditation. Strikingly, 220 genes directly associated with immune response, including 68 genes related to interferon (IFN) signaling were upregulated, with no significant expression changes in the inflammatory genes. This robust meditation-specific immune response network is significantly dysregulated in multiple sclerosis and severe COVID-19 patients. The work provides a foundation for understanding the effect of meditation and potential implications to voluntarily and non-pharmacologically improve the immune response before immunotherapy for many conditions, including multiple sclerosis and COVID-19 vaccination.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Large-scale genomic study reveals robust activation of the immune system following advanced Inner Engineering meditation retreat.
• Implications Derived from S-Protein Variants of SARS-CoV-2 from Six Continents -
  Spike (S) proteins of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are critical determinants of the infectivity and antigenicity of the virus. Several mutations in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 have already been detected, and their effect in immune system evasion and enhanced transmission as a cause of increased morbidity and mortality are being investigated. From pathogenic and epidemiological perspectives, spike proteins are of prime interest to researchers. This study focused on the unique variants of S proteins from six continents Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, South America, and North America. In comparison to the other five continents, Africa (29.065%) had the highest percentage of unique S proteins. Notably, only North America had 87% (14046) of the total (16143) specific S proteins available in the NCBI database (across all continents). Based on the amino acid frequency distributions in the S protein variants from all the continents, the phylogenetic relationship implies that unique S proteins from North America were significantly different from those of the other five continents. Overtime, the unique variants originating from North America are most likely to spread to the other geographic locations through international travel or naturally by emerging mutations. Hence it is suggested that restriction of international travel should be considered, and massive vaccination as an utmost measure to combat the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. It is also further suggested that the efficacy of existing vaccines and future vaccine development must be reviewed with careful scrutiny, and if needed, further re-engineered based on requirements dictated by new emerging S protein variants.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Implications Derived from S-Protein Variants of SARS-CoV-2 from Six Continents
• An intranasal ASO therapeutic targeting SARS-CoV-2 -
  The COVID-19 pandemic is exacting an increasing toll worldwide, with new SARS-CoV-2 variants emerging that exhibit higher infectivity rates and that may partially evade vaccine and antibody immunity. Rapid deployment of non-invasive therapeutic avenues capable of preventing infection by all SARS-CoV-2 variants could complement current vaccination efforts and help turn the tide on the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we describe a novel therapeutic strategy targeting the SARS-CoV-2 RNA using locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotides (LNA ASOs). We identified an LNA ASO binding to the 5’ leader sequence of SARS-CoV-2 ORF1a/b that disrupts a highly conserved stem-loop structure with nanomolar efficacy in preventing viral replication in human cells. Daily intranasal administration of this LNA ASO in the K18-hACE2 humanized COVID-19 mouse model potently (98-99%) suppressed viral replication in the lungs of infected mice, revealing strong prophylactic and treatment effects. We found that the LNA ASO also represses viral infection in golden Syrian hamsters, and is highly efficacious in countering all SARS-CoV-2 “variants of concern” tested in vitro and in vivo, including B.1.427, B.1.1.7, and B.1.351 variants. Hence, inhaled LNA ASOs targeting SARS-CoV-2 represents a promising therapeutic approach to reduce transmission of variants partially resistant to vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, and could be deployed intranasally for prophylaxis or via lung delivery by nebulizer to decrease severity of COVID-19 in infected individuals. LNA ASOs are chemically stable and can be flexibly modified to target different viral RNA sequences, and they may have particular impact in areas where vaccine distribution is a challenge, and could be stockpiled for future coronavirus pandemics.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: An intranasal ASO therapeutic targeting SARS-CoV-2

From Clinical Trials

• Recombinant Hyperimmune Polyclonal Antibody (GIGA-2050) in COVID-19 Patients - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Drug: GIGA-2050
  Sponsor:   GigaGen, Inc.
  Not yet recruiting

• Study to Evaluate the Effects of RO7496998 (AT-527) in Non-Hospitalized Adult and Adolescent Participants With Mild or Moderate COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: RO7496998;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsors:   Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc.;   Hoffmann-La Roche
  Recruiting

• The Role of High Dose Co-trimoxazole in Severe Covid-19 Patients - Condition:   COVID-19 Pneumonia
  Interventions:   Drug: Co-trimoxazole;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsor:   Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
  Not yet recruiting

• The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on COVID-19 Recovery - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Drug: Vit-D 0.2 MG/ML Oral Solution [Calcidol];   Drug: Physiological Irrigating Solution
  Sponsors:   University of Monastir;   Loussaief Chawki;   Nissaf Ben Alaya;   Cyrine Ben Nasrallah;   Manel Ben Belgacem;   Hela Abroug;   Imen Zemni;   Manel Ben fredj;   Wafa Dhouib
  Completed

• A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Effect of STC3141 Continuous Infusion in Subjects With Severe Corona Virus Disease 2019（COVID-19）Pneumonia - Condition:   Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia
  Intervention:   Drug: STC3141
  Sponsors:   Grand Medical Pty Ltd.;   Trium Clinical Consulting
  Not yet recruiting

• tDCS for Post COVID-19 Fatigue - Condition:   Post Covid-19 Patients
  Intervention:   Device: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
  Sponsor:   Thorsten Rudroff
  Recruiting

• A Phase 2 Study of APX-115 in Hospitalized Patients With Confirmed Mild to Moderate COVID-19. - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: APX-115;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsors:   Aptabio Therapeutics, Inc.;   Covance
  Not yet recruiting

• Leveraging CHWs to Improve COVID-19 Testing and Mitigation Among CJIs Accessing a Corrections-focused CBO - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Behavioral: Onsite Point-of-care
  Sponsors:   Montefiore Medical Center;   The Fortune Society;   University of Bristol
  Not yet recruiting

• Breathing Effort in Covid-19 Pneumonia: Effects of Positive Pressure, Inspired Oxygen Fraction and Decubitus - Condition:   COVID-19 Pneumonia
  Intervention:   Device: Esophageal catheter
  Sponsor:   San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital
  Recruiting

• Convalescent Plasma as Adjunct Therapy for COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Biological: Convalescent plasma treatment
  Sponsors:   National Institute of Health Research and Development, Ministry of Health Republic of Indonesia;   Indonesian Red Cross;   Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology
  Recruiting

• Anti COVID 19 Intravenous Immunoglobulin (C-IVIG) Therapy for Severe COVID-19 Patients - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Biological: Anti COVID 19 Intravenous Immunoglobulin (C-IVIG)
  Sponsors:   Dow University of Health Sciences;   Higher Education Commission (Pakistan)
  Recruiting

• A Global Phase III Clinical Trial of Recombinant COVID-19 Vaccine (Sf9 Cells) - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Biological: Recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (Sf9 cells);   Other: Placebo control
  Sponsors:   Jiangsu Province Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;   WestVac Biopharma Co., Ltd.;   West China Hospital
  Not yet recruiting

• ACTIV-6: COVID-19 Study of Repurposed Medications - Condition:   Covid19
  Intervention:   Drug: Ivermectin Tablets
  Sponsors:   Susanna Naggie, MD;   National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS);   Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  Not yet recruiting

• 3R Rehabilitation Management of COVID-19 Survivors - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Other: Cardiopulmonary exercise (centre-based);   Other: Cardiopulmonary exercise (online-based)
  Sponsors:   The Hong Kong Polytechnic University;   Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong;   Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong;   Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong;   Tuen Mun Hospital Hong Kong
  Recruiting

• Symprove (Probiotic) as an add-on to COVID-19 Management - Condition:   Covid19
  Interventions:   Other: Symprove (probiotic);   Other: Placebo
  Sponsor:   King’s College Hospital NHS Trust
  Not yet recruiting

From PubMed

• Further insights into the molecular complexity of the human sinus node - The role of ‘novel’ transcription factors and microRNAs - RESEARCH PURPOSE: The sinus node (SN) is the heart’s primary pacemaker. Key ion channels (mainly the funny channel, HCN4) and Ca^(2+)-handling proteins in the SN are responsible for its function. Transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene expression through inhibition or activation and microRNAs (miRs) do this through inhibition. There is high expression of macrophages and mast cells within the SN connective tissue. ‘Novel’/unexplored TFs and miRs in the regulation of ion channels and immune…

• Role of leukotriene pathway and montelukast in pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations of Covid-19: The enigmatic entity - Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the responsible agent for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), has its entry point through interaction with angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, highly expressed in lung type II alveolar cells and other tissues, like heart, pancreas, brain, and vascular endothelium. This review aimed to elucidate the potential role of leukotrienes (LTs) in the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and to…

• Disruption of disulfides within RBD of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein prevents fusion and represents a target for viral entry inhibition by registered drugs - The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic imposed a large burden on health and society. Therapeutics targeting different components and processes of the viral infection replication cycle are being investigated, particularly to repurpose already approved drugs. Spike protein is an important target for both vaccines and therapeutics. Insights into the mechanisms of spike-ACE2 binding and cell fusion could support the identification of compounds with inhibitory effects. Here, we demonstrate that the integrity of…

• Computational designing of a peptide that potentially blocks the entry of SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV - Last decade has witnessed three major pandemics caused by SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV that belong to Coronavirus family. Currently, there are no effective therapies available for corona virus infections. Since the three viruses belong to the same family and share many common features, we can theoretically design a drug that can be effective on all the three of them. In this study, using computational approach, we designed a peptide (Peptide 7) that can bind to the Receptor Binding Domain…

• ZMPSTE24 Regulates SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein-enhanced Expression of Endothelial Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 - Endothelial dysfunction is implicated in the thrombotic events reported in COVID-19 patients, but underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. Circulating levels of the coagulation cascade activator PAI-1 are substantially higher in COVID-19 patients with severe respiratory dysfunction than in patients with bacterial-sepsis and ARDS. Indeed, the elevation of PAI-1 is recognized as an early marker of endothelial dysfunction. Here, we report that recombinant SARS-CoV-2-S1 stimulated robust…

• Opposing forces fight over the same ground to regulate interferon signaling - The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has spurred new interest in interferon signaling in response to viral pathogens. Much of what we know about the signaling molecules and associated signal transduction induced during the host cellular response to viral pathogens has been gained from research conducted from the 1990’s to the present day, but certain intricacies of the mechanisms involved, still remain unclear. In a recent study by Vaughn et al. the authors examine one of the main mechanisms…

• Nodosome inhibition as a novel broad-spectrum antiviral strategy against arboviruses, enteroviruses and SARS-CoV-2 - In the present report, we describe two small molecules with broad-spectrum antiviral activity. These drugs block formation of the nodosome. The studies were prompted by the observation that infection of human fetal brain cells with Zika virus (ZIKV) induces expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2), a host factor that was found to promote ZIKV replication and spread. A drug that targets NOD2 was shown to have potent broad-spectrum antiviral activity…

• Review of antiviral peptides for use against zoonotic and selected non-zoonotic viruses - Viruses remain one of the leading causes of animal and human disease. Some animal viral infections spread sporadically to human populations, posing a serious health risk. Particularly the emerging viral zoonotic diseases such as the novel, zoonotic coronavirus represent an actual challenge for the scientific and medical community. Besides human health risks, some animal viral infections, although still not zoonotic, represent important economic loses to the livestock industry. Viral infections…

• A Convenient and Biosafe Replicon with Accessory Genes of SARS-CoV-2 and Its Potential Application in Antiviral Drug Discovery - SARS-CoV-2 causes the pandemic of COVID-19 and no effective drugs for this disease are available thus far. Due to the high infectivity and pathogenicity of this virus, all studies on the live virus are strictly confined in the biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratory but this would hinder the basic research and antiviral drug development of SARS-CoV-2 because the BSL3 facility is not commonly available and the work in the containment is costly and laborious. In this study, we constructed a reverse…

• A large-scale computational screen identifies strong potential inhibitors for disrupting SARS-CoV-2 S-protein and human ACE2 interaction - SARS-CoV-2 has infected millions of individuals across the globe and has killed over 2.7 million people. Even though vaccines against this virus have recently been introduced, the antibody generated in the process has been reported to decline quickly. This can reduce the efficacy of vaccines over time and can result in re-infections. Thus, drugs that are effective against COVID-19 can provide a second line of defence and can prevent occurrence of the severe form of the disease. The interaction…

• Computational basis of SARS-CoV 2 main protease inhibition: an insight from molecular dynamics simulation based findings - The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). One of the striking targets amongst all the proteins in coronavirus is the main protease (M^(pro)), as it plays vital biological roles in replication and maturation of the virus, and hence the potential target. The aim of this study is to repurpose the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved molecules via computer-aided drug designing against M^(pro)…

• Complement inhibition in severe COVID-19 - Blocking C5a seems to be key - No abstract

• Computational Identification of a Putative Allosteric Binding Pocket in TMPRSS2 - Camostat, nafamostat, and bromhexine are inhibitors of the transmembrane serine protease TMPRSS2. The inhibition of TMPRSS2 has been shown to prevent the viral infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other viruses. However, while camostat and nafamostat inhibit TMPRSS2 by forming a covalent adduct, the mode of action of bromhexine remains unclear. TMPRSS2 is autocatalytically activated from its inactive form, zymogen, through a proteolytic cleavage that…

• Pomegranate Peel Extract as an Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Binding to Human ACE2 Receptor (in vitro): A Promising Source of Novel Antiviral Drugs - Plant extracts are rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, sesquiterpenes, and triterpenes, which potentially have antiviral activities. As a consequence of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, thousands of scientists have been working tirelessly trying to understand the biology of this new virus and the disease pathophysiology, with the main goal of discovering effective preventive treatments and…

• Design of advanced siRNA therapeutics for the treatment of COVID-19 - COVID-19 is a newly emerged viral disease that is currently affecting the whole globe. A variety of therapeutic approaches are underway to block the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Among these methods, siRNAs could be a safe and specific option, as they have been tested against other viruses. siRNAs are a class of inhibitor RNAs that act promisingly as mRNA expression blockers and they can be designed to interfere with viral mRNA to block virus replication. In order to do this, we designed and evaluated the…

From Patent Search

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

• 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

• 逆转录酶突变体及其应用 - 本发明提供一种MMLV逆转录酶突变体，在野生型MMLV逆转录酶氨基酸序列（如SEQ ID No.1序列所示）中进行七个氨基酸位点的突变，氨基酸突变位点为：R205H；V288T；L304K；G525D；S526D；E531G；E574G。该突变体可以降低MMLV逆转录酶对Taq DNA聚合酶的抑制作用，大大提高了一步法RT‑qPCR的灵敏度。 - link

• Compositions and methods for the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection - - link

• 用于检测新型冠状病毒的试纸和试剂盒 - 本发明涉及生物技术和免疫检测技术领域，具体涉及一种用于检测新型冠状病毒的试纸和试剂盒。所述试纸或试剂盒含有抗体1和/或抗体2，所述抗体1的重、轻链可变区的氨基酸序列分别如SEQ ID NO:1‑2所示，所述抗体2的重、轻链可变区的氨基酸序列分别如SEQ ID NO:3‑4所示。本发明对于大批量的新型冠状病毒样本，包括新型冠状病毒突变（英国、南非）与非突变株的人血清、鼻咽拭子等样本的检测有普遍检测意义，避免突变株的漏检。 - link

• Fahrgastleitsystem und Verfahren zum Leiten von Fahrgästen -

  Die Erfindung betrifft ein Fahrgastleitsystem zum Leiten von mit einem Fahrzeug (1) mit wenigstens zwei Türen (2.L, 2.R) transportieren Fahrgästen (3), mit wenigstens einem Sensor (4) zur Überwachung der Fahrgäste (3), wenigstens einem Anzeigemittel (5) zur Ausgabe von Leitinformationen, wenigstens einem Aktor zum Öffnen oder Verriegeln einer Tür (2.L, 2.R) und wenigstens einer Recheneinheit (7). Das erfindungsgemäße Fahrgastleitsystem ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Recheneinheit (7) dazu eingerichtet ist durch Auswertung vom wenigstens einen Sensor (4) erzeugter Sensordaten zu erkennen an welcher Tür (2.L, 2.R) des Fahrzeugs (1) Fahrgäste (3) ein- und/oder aussteigen möchten und wenigstens eine Tür (2.L, 2.R) für einen Ausstieg festzulegen und/oder wenigstens eine Tür (2.L, 2.R) für einen Einstieg festzulegen, sodass eine Anzahl an Begegnungen von sich durch das Fahrzeug (1) bewegender Fahrgäste (3) und/oder aus dem Fahrzeug (1) aussteigenden und/oder in das Fahrzeug (1) einsteigenden Fahrgästen (3) minimiert wird.

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• Vorrichtung zum Desinfizieren, der Körperpflege oder dergleichen -

  Vorrichtung zum Desinfizieren, der Körperpflege oder dergleichen mittels einer flüssigen oder cremigen Substanz (20), dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Vorrichtung mit einem elektrisch betriebenen Erinnerungs-Modul und einem Vorratsbehälter (10) für die Substanz (20) versehen ist, die Substanz (20) in dosierter Menge zur Ausgabeöffnung (9) gefördert wird und die Vorrichtung dazu geeignet ist, am Körper oder der Kleidung einer Person getragen zu werden.

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