Covid-19 Sentry

Contents

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

From Preprints

• Change in Anti-COVID-19 Behavior and Prejudice against Minorities during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Longitudinal Evidence from Five European Countries -
  In the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital to identify factors increasing behaviors that limit the transmission of COVID-19 (i.e., anti-COVID-19 behavior) and factors protecting against the negative consequences of the pandemic on societies (i.e., prejudice). A simultaneous investigation of a change in anti-COVID behavior and prejudice during the pandemic is essential because some factors (e.g., fear of COVID-19) could increase both outcomes, whilst other factors (e.g., norms in anti-COVID behavior or intergroup contact in prejudice) could bring desirable changes in one outcome without negatively affecting the other. In a three-wave longitudinal study (NT1 = 4275) in five European countries from April to October 2020, we employed a latent change score model to distinguish between intra- and inter-individual changes in anti-COVID-19 behavior and prejudice. On the intra-individual level, anti-COVID-19 behavior was increased by anti-COVID-19 norms; and prejudice against migrants from the Middle East was influenced by positive and negative direct and mass-media intergroup contact.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Change in Anti-COVID-19 Behavior and Prejudice against Minorities during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Longitudinal Evidence from Five European Countries
• Differential haplotype expression in class I MHC genes during SARS-CoV-2 infection of human lung cell lines -
  Cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 causes genome-wide disruption of the transcriptional profiles of genes and biological pathways involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Expression allelic imbalance is characterized by a deviation from the Mendelian expected 1:1 expression ratio and is an important source of allele-specific heterogeneity. Expression allelic imbalance can be measured by allele-specific expression analysis (ASE) across heterozygous informative expressed single nucleotide variants (eSNVs). ASE reflects many regulatory biological phenomena that can be assessed by combining genome and transcriptome information. ASE contributes to the interindividual variability associated with disease. We aim to estimate the transcriptome-wide impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection by analyzing eSNVs. We compared ASE profiles in the human lung cell lines Calu-3, A459, and H522 before and after infection with SARS-CoV-2 using RNA-Seq experiments. We identified 34 differential ASE (DASE) sites in 13 genes (HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, BRD2, EHD2, GFM2, GSPT1, HAVCR1, MAT2A, NQO2, SUPT6H, TNFRSF11A, UMPS), all of which are enriched in protein binding functions and play a role in COVID-19. Most DASE sites were assigned to the MHC class I locus and were predominantly upregulated upon infection. DASE sites in the MHC class I locus also occur in iPSC-derived airway epithelium basal cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. Using an RNA-Seq haplotype reconstruction approach, we found DASE sites and adjacent eSNVs in phase (i.e., predicted on the same DNA strand), demonstrating differential haplotype expression upon infection. We found a bias towards the expression of the HLA alleles with a higher binding affinity to SARS-CoV-2 epitopes. Independent of gene expression compensation, SARS-CoV-2 infection of human lung cell lines induces transcriptional allelic switching at the MHC loci. This suggests a response mechanism to SARS-CoV-2 infection that swaps HLA alleles with poor epitope binding affinity, an expectation supported by publicly available proteome data.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Differential haplotype expression in class I MHC genes during SARS-CoV-2 infection of human lung cell lines
• Ultrasound treatment inhibits SARS-CoV-2 in vitro infectivity -
  Background: COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), affecting millions of people worldwide, with a high rate of deaths. The present study aims to evaluate ultrasound (US) as a physical method for virus inactivation. Materials and methods: The UV-transductor was exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 viral solution for 30 minutes. Vero-E6 cells were infected with medium exposure or not with the US, using 3-12, 5-10, or 6-18MHz as frequencies applied. We performed confocal microscopy to determine virus infection and replicative process. Moreover, we detected the virus particles with a titration assay. Results: We observed an effective infection of SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan, Delta, and Gamma strains in comparison with mock, an uninfected experimental group. The US treatment was able to inhibit the Wuhan strain in all applied frequencies. Interestingly, 3-12 and 6-18MHz did not inhibit SARS-CoV-2 delta and gamma variants infection, on the other hand, 5-10MHz was able to abrogate infection and replication in all experimental conditions. Conclusions: These results show that SARS-CoV-2 is susceptible to US exposure at a specific frequency 5-10MHz and could be a novel tool for reducing the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Keywords: Ultrasound, SARS-CoV-2, virucidal effect, COVID-19
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Ultrasound treatment inhibits SARS-CoV-2 in vitro infectivity
• Changes in population immunity against infection and severe disease from SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants in the United States between December 2021 and November 2022 -

  Importance: While a substantial fraction of the US population was infected with SARS-CoV-2 during December 2021-February 2022, the subsequent evolution of population immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants reflects the competing influences of waning protection over time and acquisition or restoration of immunity through additional infections and vaccinations. Objective: To estimate changes in population immunity against infection and severe disease due to circulating SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants in the United States from December 2021 to October 2022, and to quantify the protection against a potential 2022-2023 winter SARS-CoV-2 wave. Design, setting, participants: Bayesian evidence synthesis of reported COVID-19 data (diagnoses, hospitalizations), vaccinations, and waning patterns for vaccine- and infection-acquired immunity, using a mathematical model of COVID-19 natural history. Main Outcomes and Measures: Population immunity against infection and severe disease from SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants in the United States, by location (national, state, county) and week. Results: By November 10, 2022, 94% (95% CrI, 79%-99%) of the US population were estimated to have been infected by SARS-CoV-2 at least once. Combined with vaccination, 97% (95%-99%) were estimated to have some prior immunological exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Between December 1, 2021 and November 10, 2022, protection against a new Omicron infection rose from 22% (21%-23%) to 63% (51%-75%) nationally, and protection against an Omicron infection leading to severe disease increased from 61% (59%-64%) to 89% (83%-92%). Increasing first booster uptake to 55% in all states (current US coverage: 34%) and second booster uptake to 22% (current US coverage: 11%) would increase protection against infection by 4.5 percentage points (2.4-7.2) and protection against severe disease by 1.1 percentage points (1.0-1.5). Conclusions and Relevance: Effective protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe disease in October 2022 was substantially higher than in December 2021. Despite this high level of protection, a more transmissible or immune evading (sub)variant, changes in behavior, or ongoing waning of immunity could lead to a new SARS-CoV-2 wave.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Changes in population immunity against infection and severe disease from SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants in the United States between December 2021 and November 2022
• Assessing the Effect of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in the Prevention of Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 -

  Importance: Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) produce significant morbidity, prompting evaluation of interventions that might lower risk. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) potentially could modulate risk of PASC via their central, hypothesized immunomodulatory, and/or antiplatelet properties and therefore may be postulated to be of benefit in patients with PASC, although clinical trial data are lacking. Objectives: The main objective was to evaluate whether SSRIs with agonist activity at the sigma-1 receptor lower the risk of PASC, since agonism at this receptor may serve as a mechanism by which SSRIs attenuate an inflammatory response. A secondary objective was to determine whether potential benefit could be traced to sigma-1 agonism by evaluating the risk of PASC among recipients of SSRIs that are not S1R agonists. Design: Retrospective study leveraging real-world clinical data within the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C), a large centralized multi-institutional de-identified EHR database. Presumed PASC was defined based on a computable PASC phenotype trained on the U09.9 ICD-10 diagnosis code to more comprehensively identify patients likely to have the condition, since the ICD code has come into wide-spread use only recently. Setting: Population-based study at US medical centers. Participants: Adults (≥ 18 years of age) with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis date between October 1, 2021 and April 7, 2022 and at least one follow up visit 45 days post-diagnosis. Of the 17 933 patients identified, 2021 were exposed at baseline to a S1R agonist SSRI, 1328 to a non-S1R agonist SSRI, and 14 584 to neither. Exposures: Exposure at baseline (at or prior to COVID-19 diagnosis) to an SSRI with documented or presumed agonist activity at the S1R (fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, escitalopram, or citalopram), an SSRI without agonist activity at S1R (sertraline, an antagonist, or paroxetine, which does not appreciably bind to the S1R), or none of these agents. Main Outcome and Measurement: Development of PASC based on a previously validated XGBoost-trained algorithm. Using inverse probability weighting and Poisson regression, relative risk (RR) of PASC was assessed. Results: A 26% reduction in the RR of PASC (0.74 [95% CI, 0.63-0.88]; P = 5 x 10-4) was seen among patients who received an S1R agonist SSRI compared to SSRI unexposed patients and a 25% reduction in the RR of PASC was seen among those receiving an SSRI without S1R agonist activity (0.75 [95% CI, 0.62 - 0.90]; P = 0.003) compared to SSRI unexposed patients. Conclusions and Relevance: SSRIs with and without reported agonist activity at the S1R were associated with a significant decrease in the risk of PASC. Future prospective studies are warranted.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Assessing the Effect of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in the Prevention of Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19
• Epidemiologic and economic modelling of optimal COVID-19 policy: public health and social measures, masks and vaccines in Victoria, Australia -

  Background Identifying optimal COVID-19 policies is challenging. For Victoria, Australia (6.6 million people), we evaluated 104 policy packages (two levels of stringency of public health and social measures [PHSMs], by two levels each of mask-wearing and respirator provision during large outbreaks, by 13 vaccination schedules) for nine future SARS-CoV-2 variant scenarios. Methods We used an agent-based model to estimate morbidity, mortality, and costs over 12 months from October 2022 for each scenario. The 104 policies (each averaged over the nine future variant scenarios) were ranked based on four evenly weighted criteria: cost-effectiveness from (a) health system only and (b) health system plus GDP perspectives, (c) deaths and (d) days exceeding hospital occupancy thresholds. Findings More compared to less stringent PHSMs reduced cumulative infections, hospitalisations and deaths but also increased time in stage ≥3 PHSMs. Any further vaccination from October 2022 decreased hospitalisations and deaths by 12% and 27% respectively compared to no further vaccination and was usually a cost-saving intervention from a health expenditure plus GDP perspective. High versus low vaccine coverage decreased deaths by 15% and reduced time in stage ≥3 PHSMs by 20%. The modelled mask policies had modest impacts on morbidity, mortality, and health system pressure. The highest-ranking policy combination was more stringent PHSMs, two further vaccine doses (an Omicron-targeted vaccine followed by a multivalent vaccine) for ≥30-year-olds with high uptake, and promotion of increased mask wearing (but not Government provision of respirators). Interpretation Ongoing vaccination and PHSMs continue to be key components of the COVID-19 pandemic response. Integrated epidemiologic and economic modelling, as exemplified in this paper, can be rapidly updated and used in pandemic decision making. Funding Anonymous donation, University of Melbourne funding.

  🖺 Full Text HTML: Epidemiologic and economic modelling of optimal COVID-19 policy: public health and social measures, masks and vaccines in Victoria, Australia
• SARS-CoV-2 exposure in Norwegian rats (Rattus norvegicus) from New York City -
  Millions of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) inhabit New York City (NYC), presenting the potential for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to rats and other wildlife. We evaluated SARS-CoV-2 exposure among 79 rats captured from NYC during the fall of 2021. Results showed that 13 of 79 rats (16.5%) tested IgG or IgM positive, and partial genomes of SARS-CoV-2 were recovered from four rats that were qRT-PCR positive. Using a virus challenge study, we also showed that Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants can cause robust infections in wild-type Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, including high level replications in the upper and lower respiratory tracts and induction of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Additionally, the Delta variant resulted in the highest infectivity. In summary, our results indicated that rats are susceptible to infection with Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants, and rats in the NYC municipal sewer systems have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Our findings highlight the potential risk of secondary zoonotic transmission from urban rats and the need for further monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in those populations.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: SARS-CoV-2 exposure in Norwegian rats (Rattus norvegicus) from New York City
• Paxlovid-like nirmatrelvir/ritonavir fails to block SARS-CoV-2 transmission in ferrets -
  Despite the continued spread of SARS-CoV-2 and emergence of variants of concern (VOC) that are capable of escaping preexisting immunity, therapeutic options are underutilized. In addition to preventing severe disease in high-risk patients, antivirals may contribute to interrupting transmission chains. The FDA has granted emergency use authorizations for two oral drugs, molnupiravir and paxlovid. Initial clinical trials suggested an efficacy advantage of paxlovid, giving it a standard-of-care-like status in the United States. However, recent retrospective clinical studies suggested a more comparable efficacy of both drugs in preventing complicated disease and case-fatalities in older adults. For a direct efficacy comparison under controlled conditions, we assessed potency of both drugs against SARS-CoV-2 in two relevant animal models; the Roborovski dwarf hamster model for severe COVID-19 in high-risk patients and the ferret model of upper respiratory tract disease and transmission. After infection of dwarf hamsters with VOC omicron, paxlovid and molnupiravir were efficacious in mitigating severe disease and preventing death. However, a pharmacokinetics-confirmed human equivalent dose of paxlovid did not significantly reduce shed SARS-CoV-2 titers in ferrets and failed to block virus transmission to untreated direct-contact ferrets, whereas transmission was fully suppressed in a group of animals treated with a human-equivalent dose of molnupiravir. Prophylactic administration of molnupiravir to uninfected ferrets in direct contact with infected animals blocked productive SARS-CoV-2 transmission, whereas all contacts treated with prophylactic paxlovid became infected. These data confirm retrospective reports of similar therapeutic benefit of both drugs for older adults, and reveal that treatment with molnupiravir, but not paxlovid, may be suitable to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Paxlovid-like nirmatrelvir/ritonavir fails to block SARS-CoV-2 transmission in ferrets
• Comparative aerosol and surface stability of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern -
  SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted principally via air; contact and fomite transmission may also occur. Variants-of-concern (VOCs) are more transmissible than ancestral SARS-CoV-2. We find that early VOCs show greater aerosol and surface stability than the early WA1 strain, but Delta and Omicron do not. Stability changes do not explain increased transmissibility.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Comparative aerosol and surface stability of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern
• Evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 mutational spectrum -
  SARS-CoV-2 evolves rapidly in part because of its high mutation rate. Here we examine whether this mutational process itself has changed during viral evolution. To do this, we quantify the relative rates of different types of single nucleotide mutations at four-fold degenerate sites in the viral genome across millions of human SARS-CoV-2 sequences. We find clear shifts in the relative rates of several types of mutations during SARS-CoV-2 evolution. The most striking trend is a roughly two-fold decrease in the relative rate of G[->]T mutations in Omicron versus early clades, as was recently noted by Ruis et al (2022). There is also a decrease in the relative rate of C[->]T mutations in Delta, and other subtle changes in the mutation spectrum along the phylogeny. We speculate that these changes in the mutation spectrum could arise from viral mutations that affect genome replication, packaging, and antagonization of host innate-immune factors–although environmental factors could also play a role. Interestingly, the mutation spectrum of Omicron is more similar than that of earlier SARS-CoV-2 clades to the spectrum that shaped the long-term evolution of sarbecoviruses. Overall, our work shows that the mutation process is itself a dynamic variable during SARS-CoV-2 evolution, and suggests that human SARS-CoV-2 may be trending towards a mutation spectrum more similar to that of other animal sarbecoviruses.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 mutational spectrum
• Polymorphic regions in BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 likely implicated in immunological evasion of Omicron subvariant BQ.1.1 -
  In this work, 45 Spike glycoprotein Chain B polypeptides were used in the subvariants BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 were recovered from GENBANK. All sequences were publicly available on the National Biotechnology Information Center (NCBI) platform. The results indicate the existence of informative polymorphic and parsimony sites that may be implicated in the level of diversity of the studied strains, as well as reflect the immunological evasion potential of the subvariant BQ1.1. of the variant Omicron d and SARS-CoV-2. The results also suggest the formation of ancestral polymorphism with slight retention, and the probable is responsible the diversity of the whole studied set.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Polymorphic regions in BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 likely implicated in immunological evasion of Omicron subvariant BQ.1.1
• Public Misperceptions of COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness and Waning: Experimental Evidence from Ireland -
  Objectives The study set out to measure public understanding of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) and how effectiveness wanes with time since vaccination. Because perceived VE is a strong predictor of vaccine uptake, measuring perceptions can inform public health policy and communications. Study Design Online randomised experiment. Method The study was undertaken in Ireland, which has high vaccination rates. A nationally representative sample (n=2,000) responded to a scenario designed to measure perceptions of COVID-19 VE against mortality. The length of time since vaccination in the scenario was randomly varied across four treatment arms (2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months). Results The public underestimates VE, with substantial variation in perceptions. A majority (57%) gave responses implying perceived VE against mortality of 0-85%, i.e. below scientific estimates. Among this group, mean perceived VE was just 49%. Over a quarter (26%) gave responses implying perceived VE greater than 95%, i.e. above scientific estimates. Comparing the four treatment groups, responses took no account of vaccine waning. Perceived VE was actually higher 9 months after vaccination than 2 weeks after vaccination. Conclusion Despite high vaccination rates, most of the public in Ireland underestimates VE. Furthermore, the general public has not absorbed the concept of vaccine waning in the months following vaccination. Both misperceptions may reduce vaccine uptake, unless public health authorities act to correct them through improved communication.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Public Misperceptions of COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness and Waning: Experimental Evidence from Ireland
• Don’t say it’s over: the perceived epidemic stage, COVID risk perception and preventive behaviour -
  The risks for people during the epidemic are evolving. For COVID-19 pandemic one important feature was its multiwave pattern, where, within each wave, the pandemic dynamic could be described as the curve. This study aimed to explore how people’s perceptions of such a pandemic process associates with the risk perceptions and the preventive behaviour. A sample of 1,343 university students in the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic have assessed the pandemic stage, perceived risks, mental health and trust to different bodies in regard to pandemic. They also reported their involvement in the COVID topic and a wide range of implemented behaviour. The study participants differed in their perception of the pandemic stage despite being in the same environment. The belief that the curve pick is left behind was associated with the less perceived risk and decrease in preventive behaviour implementation, while there was no difference in the perception of risks or behaviour between belief in living the period in the epidemic peak or the beginning of the wave. The lack of COVID involvement, distrust to authorities and official COVID information were associated with the less perceived risk and preventive behaviour. Mental health characteristics were significantly associated with the social preventive behaviours - the higher depression level was the predictor of the decreasing of communication with other people while the anxiety was the predictor of more risky behaviour due to increase in face-to-face communication. Overall the perception that the epidemic wave is on its final stage could be an independent predictor of more risky behaviour. Communication of the epidemic dynamic should be provided with extreme caution.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Don’t say it’s over: the perceived epidemic stage, COVID risk perception and preventive behaviour
• Awareness of the COVID-19 cases in personal network and students’ motivation to engage in protective behaviour -
  In the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic young people were believed to be less vulnerable to the disease. The study aimed to explore what motivated youth to comply with recommended preventive behaviour while being in a relatively safe position. Utilising self-reported data from 1,265 students in the beginning of the pandemic we applied structural equation modelling to explore the role of different motivation types (self-interested, prosocial and controlled) in predicting the adherence to a wide range of protective behaviours. We have also explored how the awareness of COVID cases in personal network was associated with perceived risks, motivation and behavioural response to pandemic. Overall among all types of motivation the prosocial one (to protect significant others or to stop spreading disease) better explains all types of protective behaviours. In line with this finding perceived personal risks were less associated with the protective behaviour than motivation variables. Controlled motivation (to comply with external requirements) for the young group was the least significant in predicting behaviour. The independent factor which affects both perceived risks, motivation to comply and preventive behaviour is the presence of the known COVID-19 cases in people’s social network. However, while awareness about severe outcomes positively affects those outcomes, awareness about the mild cases in contrast could decrease the perceived threat of disease and motivation. Our findings highlight that prosocial motivation might be a promising way to engage young people in preventive behaviour as well as the importance for cautiously presenting narrative information about disease outcomes for this audience.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Awareness of the COVID-19 cases in personal network and students’ motivation to engage in protective behaviour
• Smaller preferred interpersonal distance for joint versus parallel action -
  During social interaction, humans prefer to keep a certain distance between themselves and other individuals. This preferred “interpersonal distance” (IPD) is known to be sensitive to social context, and in the present study we aimed to further investigate the extent to which IPD is affected by the specific type of social interaction. In particular, we focused on the contrast between joint actions, where two or more individuals coordinate their actions in space and time to achieve a shared goal, and parallel actions, where individuals act alongside each other but individually. We predicted that joint action would be associated with a smaller preferred IPD compared to parallel action. Additionally, given that this research took place in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we aimed to assess whether IPD preferences are affected by individuals’ concerns about infection in general, as well as COVID-19 in particular. We predicted that higher individual concerns would be associated with greater preferred IPD. To test these hypotheses, we asked participants to imagine different social scenarios (involving either joint or parallel actions alongside a stranger) and indicate, on a visual scale, their preferred IPD. The results of two experiments (n = 211, n = 212) showed that participants preferred a shorter distance when they imagined acting jointly compared to when they imagined acting in parallel. Moreover, participants who reported higher discomfort for potential pathogen contact and who were more aware of the COVID-19 context in which the study took place preferred a larger IPD in general. Our results provide further evidence that different types of social interaction shape IPD preference. We discuss potential reasons for this phenomenon and highlight remaining questions for future research.
  🖺 Full Text HTML: Smaller preferred interpersonal distance for joint versus parallel action

From Clinical Trials

• A Study on Voluntary Routine COVID-19 Self-testing in Mizoram, India. - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Diagnostic Test: COVID-19 Self testing and related messaging
  Sponsors:   PATH;   UNITAID;   Zoram Medical College (ZMC);   Pacchunga University College;   Association for Leprosy Education Rehabilitation & Treatment India (ALERT India);   Government of Mizoram
  Not yet recruiting

• Assessing Performance of the Testing Done Simple Covid 19 Antigen Test - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Diagnostic Test: Testing Done Simple SARS CoV-2 Antigen Test
  Sponsors:   Testing Done Simple;   Nao Medical Urgent Care
  Recruiting

• A Study to Evaluate EDP-235 in Non-hospitalized Adults With COVID-19 - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: EDP-235;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsor:   Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc
  Recruiting

• The LAVA (Lateral Flow Antigen Validation and Applicability) 2 Study for COVID-19 - Condition:   SARS-CoV-2 Infection
  Intervention:   Diagnostic Test: Innova Lateral Flow Test
  Sponsor:   Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
  Completed

• Q-POC SARS-CoV-2 Assay COVID-19 Clinical Evaluation - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Diagnostic Test: RT-PCR Test;   Diagnostic Test: Real-time PCR Test
  Sponsors:   QuantuMDx Group Ltd;   EDP Biotech;   Paragon Rx Clinical;   PathAI;   PRX Research and Development
  Not yet recruiting

• Acute Rehabilitation in Patients With COVID-19 Pneumonia - Conditions:   COVID-19;   Rehabilitation;   Physical Medicine
  Intervention:   Procedure: Acute rehabilitation program
  Sponsor:   Institut za Rehabilitaciju Sokobanjska Beograd
  Recruiting

• Study of RAY1216 Tablets Compared With Placebo in Patients With Mild to Moderate SARS-CoV-2 Infection - Condition:   Mild to Moderate COVID-19
  Interventions:   Drug: RAY1216;   Drug: Placebo
  Sponsor:   Guangdong Raynovent Biotech Co., Ltd
  Not yet recruiting

• Enhancing Protection Against Influenza and COVID-19 for Pregnant Women and Medically at Risk Children - Conditions:   Influenza;   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Behavioral: Nudge
  Sponsor:   University of Adelaide
  Recruiting

• A Trial Evaluate the Immunogenicity and Safety of Recombinant COVID-19 Omicron-Delta Variant Vaccine (CHO Cell) - Condition:   COVID-19
  Interventions:   Biological: Omicron-Delta Recombinant Novel Coronavirus Protein Vaccine (CHO cells);   Biological: Recombinant Novel Coronavirus Protein Vaccine (CHO cells)
  Sponsor:   Anhui Zhifei Longcom Biologic Pharmacy Co., Ltd.
  Recruiting

• COVID-19 Antibody Responses in Cystic Fibrosis - Conditions:   COVID-19;   Cystic Fibrosis
  Intervention:   Biological: Blood sample
  Sponsors:   Hospices Civils de Lyon;   Queen’s University, Belfast
  Recruiting

• A Phase 1, Randomised, Double-blinded, Placebo-controlled, Dose-escalation Study to Evaluate the Safety and Immunogenicity of RH109 as Booster - Condition:   COVID-19 Pandemic
  Interventions:   Biological: Lyophilized COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine;   Drug: Sodium chloride
  Sponsors:   Wuhan Recogen Biotechnology Co., Ltd.;   Shenzhen Rhegen Biotechnology Co., Ltd.;   Wuhan Rhegen Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
  Not yet recruiting

• Message Communicating Latest Data on COVID Transmission in Patient’s Area - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Behavioral: COVID Booster text messages
  Sponsor:   University of Pennsylvania
  Enrolling by invitation

• Message From Local Pharmacy Team - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Behavioral: COVID Booster text messages
  Sponsor:   University of Pennsylvania
  Enrolling by invitation

• Planning Message Recommending Same Time/Location as Last Vaccine - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Behavioral: COVID Booster text messages
  Sponsor:   University of Pennsylvania
  Enrolling by invitation

• Message Offering Free Round Trip Ride-Share Ride to Pharmacy - Condition:   COVID-19
  Intervention:   Behavioral: COVID Booster text messages
  Sponsor:   University of Pennsylvania
  Enrolling by invitation

From PubMed

• Identification of phytochemicals in Qingfei Paidu decoction for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 by targeting the virus-host interactome - Qingfei Paidu decoction (QFPDD) has been clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the bioactive components and therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the effective components and underlying mechanisms of QFPDD in the treatment of COVID-19 by targeting the virus-host interactome and verifying the antiviral activities of its active components in vitro. Key active components and targets were identified by…

• Antcin A, a phytosterol regulates SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated metabolic alteration in THP-1 cells explored by the ¹ H-NMR-based metabolomics approach - The mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated perturbations of metabolic pathways and modulation of antcin A, a steroid-like compound isolated from Taiwanofungus camphoratus, are not studied. Here, we investigated the metabolic alteration by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the regulatory effect of antcin A on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-induced metabolic changes in the Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced human monocytes (THP-1) using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹ H-NMR) and…

• A potent and broad neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern by DARPins - We report the engineering and selection of two synthetic proteins-FSR16m and FSR22-for the possible treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. FSR16m and FSR22 are trimeric proteins composed of DARPin SR16m or SR22 fused with a T4 foldon. Despite selection by a spike protein from a now historical SARS-CoV-2 strain, FSR16m and FSR22 exhibit broad-spectrum neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 strains, inhibiting authentic B.1.351, B.1.617.2 and BA.1.1 viruses,…

• Discovering new potential inhibitors to SARS-CoV-2 RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) using high throughput virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations - RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), is an essential in the RNA replication within the life cycle of the severely acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing the deadly respiratory induced sickness COVID-19. Remdesivir is a prodrug that has seen some success in inhibiting this enzyme, however there is still the pressing need for effective alternatives. In this study, we present the discovery of four non-nucleoside small molecules that bind favorably to SARS-CoV-2 RdRp over the active…

• S-allylmercapto-N-acetylcysteine ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis in mice via Nrf2 pathway activation and NF-κB, TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway suppression - Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic lung disease characterised by alveolar inflammatory injury, alveolar septal thickening, and eventually fibrosis. Patients with severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may have left a certain degree of pulmonary fibrosis. PF is commonly caused by oxidative imbalance and inflammatory damage. S-allylmercapto-N-acetylcysteine (ASSNAC) exhibits anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in other diseases. However, the pharmacodynamics of ASSNAC remain unclear…

• SARS-CoV-2 Anti-Spike IgG Antibody and ACE2 Receptor Binding Inhibition Levels among Breakthrough Stage Veteran Patients - SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines have been critical to curbing pandemic COVID-19; however, a major shortcoming has been the inability to assess levels of protection after vaccination. This study assessed serologic status of breakthrough infections in vaccinated patients at a Veterans Administration medical center from June through December 2021 during a SARS-CoV-2 delta variant wave. Breakthrough occurred mostly beyond 150 days after two-dose vaccination with a mean of 239 days. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike…

• Efficacy and safety of glycyrrhizic acid preparation treating comorbid liver injury in COVID-19: A systematic review - Background: No specific drug for COVID-19 has been found, and many studies have found that different degrees of liver injury often occurred after infection with COVID-19. Glycyrrhizic acid preparation (GAP) has been frequently used clinically, often combined with conventional treatments such as antiviral therapy, to improve the prognosis of COVID-19 and patients’ liver function. Aims: To critically review and analyze clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of GAP in the treatment of…

• Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation of Several Flavonoids Predict Cyanidin as an Effective Drug Candidate against SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein - The in silico method has provided a versatile process of developing lead compounds from a large database in a short duration. Therefore, it is imperative to look for vaccinations and medications that can stop the havoc caused by SARS-CoV-2. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is required for the viral entry into the host cells, hence inhibiting the virus from fusing and infecting the host. This study determined the binding interactions of 36 flavonoids along with two FDA-approved drugs against the…

• Masitinib analogues with the N-methylpiperazine group replaced - A new hope for the development of anti-COVID-19 drugs - Masitinib is an orally acceptable tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is currently investigated under clinical trials against cancer, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A recent study confirmed the anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) activity of masitinib through inhibition of the main protease (M^(pro)) enzyme, an important pharmacological drug target to block the replication of the coronavirus. However, due to the adverse…

• Post-pandemic recovery of intracity human mobility in Wuhan: spatiotemporal characteristic and driving mechanism - After successfully inhibiting the first wave of COVID-19 transmission through a city lockdown, Wuhan implemented a series of policies to gradually lift restrictions and restore daily activities. Existing studies mainly focus on the intercity recovery under a macroscopic view. How does the intracity mobility return to normal? Is the recovery process consistent among different subareas, and what factor affects the post-pandemic recovery? To answer these questions, we sorted out policies adopted…

• Beneficial effects of CCL8 inhibition at lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury - CCL8 (MCP-2) is a chemoattractive cytokine associated with various immune-related pathologies. Recent studies show that CCL8 is significantly stimulated during acute respiratory distress syndrome in severely ill patients with COVID-19, making the inhibition of CCL8 activity a promising treatment. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury was evaluated in mice using a neutralizing antibody (1G3E5) against human CCL8. Pharmacokinetic studies indicated that following IP administration, 1G3E5 was…

• Inhibition of the predicted allosteric site of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease through flavonoids - Since its emergence in 2019, coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic and killed several million people worldwide. Even though several types of vaccines are available against the COVID-19 virus, SARS-CoV-2, new strains are emerging that pose a constant danger to vaccine effectiveness. In this computational study, we identified and predicted potent allosteric inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). Via molecular docking and simulations, more than 100 distinct…

• Exploring the dual effect of novel 1,4-diarylpyranopyrazoles as antiviral and anti-inflammatory for the management of SARS-CoV-2 and associated inflammatory symptoms - COVID-19 and associated substantial inflammations continue to threaten humankind triggering death worldwide. So, the development of new effective antiviral and anti-inflammatory medications is a major scientific goal. Pyranopyrazoles have occupied a crucial position in medicinal chemistry because of their biological importance. Here, we report the design and synthesis of a series of sixteen pyranopyrazole derivatives substituted with two aryl groups at N-1 and C-4. The designed compounds are…

• In vitro and in vivo effects of 3-indoleacetonitrile-A potential new broad-spectrum therapeutic agent for SARS-CoV-2 infection - The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak has resulted in significant global morbidity, mortality, and societal disruption. Currently, effective antiviral drugs for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection are limited. Therefore, safe and effective antiviral drugs to combat COVID-19 are urgently required. In previous studies, we showed that 3-indoleacetonitrile, a plant growth hormone produced by cruciferous (Brassica) vegetables, is effective in treating influenza A…

• Exploring new catechin derivatives as SARS-CoV-2 M^pro inhibitors from tea by molecular networking, surface plasma resonance, enzyme inhibition, induced fit docking, and metadynamics simulations - SARS-CoV-2 M^(pro) (Mpro) is the critical cysteine protease in coronavirus viral replication. Tea polyphenols are effective M^(pro) inhibitors. Therefore, we aim to isolate and synthesize more novel tea polyphenols from Zhenghedabai (ZHDB) white tea methanol-water (MW) extracts that might inhibit COVID-19. Through molecular networking, 33 compounds were identified and divided into 5 clusters. Further, natural products molecular network (MN) analysis showed that MN1 has new…

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