Pathophysiological mechanisms of neurological disorders in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are poorly understood, partly because of a lack of high-resolution neuroimaging data. We applied SynthSR, a convolutional neural network that synthesizes high-resolution isotropic research-quality data from thick-slice clinical MRI data, to a cohort of 11 patients with severe COVID-19. SynthSR successfully synthesized T1-weighted MPRAGE data at 1 mm spatial resolution for all 11 patients, each of whom had at least one brain lesion. Correlations between volumetric measures derived from synthesized and acquired MPRAGE data were strong for the cortical grey matter, subcortical grey matter, brainstem, hippocampus, and hemispheric white matter (r=0.84 to 0.96, p≤0.001), but absent for the cerebellar white matter and corpus callosum (r=0.04 to 0.17, p>0.61). SynthSR creates an opportunity to quantitatively study clinical MRI scans and elucidate the pathophysiology of neurological disorders in patients with COVID-19, including those with focal lesions.
Objectives The COVID−19 pandemic has substantially affected workers mental health. We investigated changes in UK workers mental health by industry, social class, and occupation and differential effects by UK country of residence, gender and age. Methods We used representative Understanding Society data from 6,474 adults (41,207 observations) in paid employment who participated in pre−pandemic (2017−2020) and at least one COVID-19 survey. The outcome was psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire-12; score≥4). Exposures were industry, social class and occupation and are examined separately. Mixed−effects logistic regression was used to estimate relative (OR) and absolute (%) increases in distress before and during pandemic. Differential effects were investigated for UK countries of residence (Non−England/England), gender (Male/female), and age (Younger/Older) using 3−way interaction effects. Results Psychological distress increased in relative terms most for professional, scientific and technical (OR:3.15, 95% CI 2.17−4.59) industry in the pandemic versus pre−pandemic period. Absolute risk increased most in hospitality (+11.4%). For social class, small employers/self−employed were most affected in relative and absolute terms (OR:3.24, 95% CI 2.28− 4.63; +10.3%). Across occupations Sales and customer service (OR:3.01, 95% CI 1.61− 5.62; +10.7%) had the greatest increase. Analysis with 3−way interactions showed considerable gender differences, while for UK country of residence and age results are mixed. Conclusions Psychological distress increases during the COVID−19 pandemic were concentrated among professional and technical and hospitality industries, small employers/self−employed and sales and customers service workers. Female workers often exhibited greater differences in risk by industry and occupation. Policies supporting these industries and groups are needed.
Timely evaluation of the protective effects of COVID-19 vaccines is challenging but urgently needed to inform the pandemic control planning. Based on vaccine efficacy/effectiveness (VE) data of 11 vaccine products and 297,055 SARS-CoV-2 sequences collected in 20 regions, we analyzed the relationship between genetic mismatch of circulating viruses against the vaccine strain and VE. Variations from technology platforms are controlled by a mixed-effects model. We found that the genetic mismatch measured on the RBD is highly predictive for vaccine protection and accounted for 72.0% (p-value < 0.01) of the VE change. The NTD and S protein also demonstrate significant but weaker per amino acid substitution association with VE (p-values < 0.01). The model is applied to predict vaccine protection of existing vaccines against new genetic variants and is validated by independent cohort studies. The estimated VE against the delta variant is 79.3% (95% prediction interval: 67.0 - 92.1) using the mRNA platform, and an independent survey reported a close match of 83.0%; against the beta variant (B.1.351) the predicted VE is 53.8% (95% prediction interval: 39.9 - 67.4) using the viral-vector vaccines, and an observational study reported a close match of 48.0%. Genetic mismatch provides an accurate prediction for vaccine protection and offers a rapid evaluation method against novel variants to facilitate vaccine deployment and public health responses.
Background: The ongoing pandemic of Corona virus disease 2019(covid 19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome Corona virus 2(SAR COV 2). The world health organization declared it as public health emergency of international concern on January 2020 and later declared as pandemic on 11 March 2020.One of the high risk groups for COVID 19 disease are people residing in urban overcrowded slums and as most of the population is migrant, they are less aware of the pandemic and have less access to health care facilities. Vaccinating these high risk groups can decrease disease burden and control the ongoing pandemic. Objectives: 1] To estimate COVID 19 vaccination coverage 2] To assess the factors responsible for COVID 19 vaccination coverage and vaccine hesitancy 3] To study AEFI pattern following COVID 19 vaccination 4] To determine the prevalence of breakthrough infections after COVID 19 Vaccination in urban slums of Bengaluru, India. Methodology: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in Urban slums belonging to Urban Health and Training Centre, Department of community medicine, Akash Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru Rural District, Karnataka, India. After obtaining Institutional ethical clearance and informed consent from study participants, data was collected from 1638 participants, fulfilling inclusion criteria using a predesigned, pretested, structured questionnaire. Data was entered in Microsoft excel and analyzed using SPSS version 24. Chi square test and Fischers exact test was applied and p <0.05 considered as statistically significant. Results: In the present study, 35.5% (583 out of 1638) of the study participants had taken COVID Vaccine, of which 533 (91.42%) were partially vaccinated and remaining 50 (8.5%) were fully Vaccinated. Majority i.e. 98.45% have taken vaccine at Govt health centers. 63.65% vaccinated with Covishield reported adverse events, whereas 18.6% vaccinated with Covaxin reported adverse events. Adverse events were more likely to be reported by women (74.7%) compared to men (58.6%) , this observation was consistent across all age groups. Vaccination coverage was high among 18 to 45 years age group (37.75%), males (64.86%), Christians (47.05%) followed by Hindus (43.56%), graduates (95.67%), clerical and skilled workers (70.75%), Upper middle socioeconomic class (72.41%). This difference was statistically significant. Our study reported Break through infections in 7 out of total 583 vaccinated with a prevalence of 1.2%. The break through infections was very high among partially vaccinated (85.71%) as compared to fully vaccinated individuals (14.28%). This was observed among those vaccinated with Covaxin only. Conclusion: The COVID 19 vaccine coverage was low in urban slums. The prevalence of Break through infections in our study was higher as compared to available data/reports in the country. Break through infections was very high among partially vaccinated as compared to fully vaccinated individuals. This study on break through infections on COVID vaccination is first study in South India on general population. The most important factor for vaccine hesitancy is the occurrence of mild or serious adverse effects following immunization, and this may be the biggest challenge in the global response against the pandemic. Key words: COVID 19 vaccination, Break through infections, Vaccine hesitancy, Adverse events COVID vaccination, Urban slums
As the outbreak of COVID-19 has become a severe worldwide pandemic, every country fights against the spread of this deadly disease with incredible efforts. There are numerous researches along with every conceivable dimension for COVID-19. Among these researches, different demographic and contextual factors of populations and communities also play an essential role in providing more information for decision-makers. This paper mainly utilizes existing data on county contextual factors at the United States county-level to develop a model that can capture the dynamic trajectory of COVID-19 (i.e., cases) and its impacts across the United States. Moreover, our methods applied to contextual data achieves better results compared with existing measures of vulnerability.
Background: Depression and anxiety affect 4% to 14% of Australians every year; symptoms may have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined recent patterns of antidepressant use in Australia in the period 2015 to 2021, which includes the first year of the pandemic. Methods: We used national dispensing claims for people aged ≥10 years to investigate annual trends in prevalent and new antidepressant use (no antidepressants dispensed in the year prior). We conducted stratified analyses by sex, age group and antidepressant class. We report outcomes from 2015 to 2019 and used time series analysis to quantify changes during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to February 2021). Results: In 2019 the annual prevalence of antidepressant use was 170.4 per 1,000 women and 101.8 per 1,000 men, an increase of 7.0% and 9.2% from 2015, respectively. New antidepressant use also increased for both sexes (3.0% for women and 4.9% for men) and across most age groups, particularly among adolescents (aged 10-17 years; 46%-57%). During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed higher than expected prevalent use (+2.2%, 95%CI 0.3%, 4.2%) among females, corresponding to a predicted excess of 45,217 (95%CI 5,819, 84,614) females dispensed antidepressants. The largest increases during the first year of the pandemic occurred among female adolescents for both prevalent (+11.7%, 95%CI 4.1%, 20.5%) and new antidepressant use (+15.6%, 95%CI 8.5%, 23.7%). Conclusion: Antidepressant use continues to increase in Australia overall and especially among young people. We found a differential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in treated depression and anxiety, greater among females than males, and greater among young females than other age groups, suggesting an increased mental health burden in populations already on a trajectory of increased use of antidepressants prior to the pandemic. Reasons for these differences require further investigation.
Background The 33 recognized megacities comprise approximately 7% of the global population, yet account for 20% COVID-19 deaths. The specific inequities and other factors within megacities that affect vulnerability to COVID-19 mortality remain poorly defined. We assessed individual, community-level and health care factors associated with COVID-19-related mortality in a megacity of Jakarta, Indonesia, during two epidemic waves spanning March 2, 2020, to August 31, 2021. Methods This retrospective cohort included all residents of Jakarta, Indonesia, with PCR-confirmed COVID-19. We extracted demographic, clinical, outcome (recovered or died), vaccine coverage data, and disease prevalence from Jakarta Health Office surveillance records, and collected sub-district level socio-demographics data from various official sources. We used multi-level logistic regression to examine individual, community and sub-district-level health care factors and their associations with COVID-19-mortality. Findings Of 705,503 cases with a definitive outcome by August 31, 2021, 694,706 (98.5%) recovered and 10,797 (1.5%) died. The median age was 36 years (IQR 24-50), 13.2% (93,459) were <18 years, and 51.6% were female. The sub-district level accounted for 1.5% of variance in mortality (p<0.0001). Individual-level factors associated with death were older age, male sex, comorbidities, and, during the first wave, age <5 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.56, 95%CI 1.04-2.35; reference: age 20-29 years). Community- level factors associated with death were poverty (aOR for the poorer quarter 1.35, 95%CI 1.17-1.55; reference: wealthiest quarter), high population density (aOR for the highest density 1.34, 95%CI 1.14-2.58; reference: the lowest), low vaccine coverage (aOR for the lowest coverage 1.25, 95%CI 1.13-1.38; reference: the highest). Interpretation In addition to individual risk factors, living in areas with high poverty and density, and low health care performance further increase the vulnerability of communities to COVID-19-associated death in urban low-resource settings.
We analyze the effectiveness of the first six months of vaccination campaign against SARS-CoV-2 in Italy by using a computational epidemic model which takes into account demographic, mobility, vaccines, as well as estimates of the introduction and spreading of the more transmissible Alpha variant. We consider six sub-national regions and study the effect of vaccines in terms of number of averted deaths, infections, and reduction in the Infection Fatality Rate (IFR) with respect to counterfactual scenarios with the actual non-pharmaceuticals interventions but no vaccine administration. Furthermore, we compare the effectiveness in counterfactual scenarios with different vaccines allocation strategies and vaccination rates. Our results show that, as of 2021/07/05, vaccines averted 29,350 (IQR: [16,454-42,826]) deaths and 4,256,332 (IQR: [1,675,564-6,980,070]) infections and a new pandemic wave in the country. During the same period, they achieved a -22.2% (IQR: [-31.4%; -13.9%]) reduction in the IFR. We show that a campaign that would have strictly prioritized age groups at higher risk of dying from COVID-19, besides frontline workers, would have implied additional benefits both in terms of avoided fatalities and reduction in the IFR. Strategies targeting the most active age groups would have prevented a higher number of infections but would have been associated with more deaths. Finally, we study the effects of different vaccination intake scenarios by rescaling the number of available doses in the time period under study to those administered in other countries of reference. The modeling framework can be applied to other countries to provide a mechanistic characterization of vaccination campaigns worldwide.
Background The Delta (B.1.617.2) variant became the predominant UK circulating SARS-CoV-2 strain in May 2021. How Delta infection compares with previous variants is unknown. Methods This prospective observational cohort study assessed symptomatic adults participating in the app-based COVID Symptom Study who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 from May 26 to July 1, 2021 (Delta overwhelmingly predominant circulating UK variant), compared (1:1, age- and sex-matched) with individuals presenting from December 28, 2020 to May 6, 2021 (Alpha (B.1.1.7) predominant variant). We assessed illness (symptoms, duration, presentation to hospital) during Alpha- and Delta-predominant timeframes; and transmission, reinfection, and vaccine effectiveness during the Delta-predominant period. Findings 3,581 individuals (aged 18 to 100 years) from each timeframe were assessed. The seven most frequent symptoms were common to both variants. Within the first 28 days of illness, some symptoms were more common with Delta vs. Alpha infection (including fever, sore throat and headache) and vice versa (dyspnoea). Symptom burden in the first week was higher with Delta vs. Alpha infection; however, the odds of any given symptom lasting ≥7 days was either lower or unchanged. Illness duration ≥28 days was lower with Delta vs. Alpha infection, though unchanged in unvaccinated individuals. Hospitalisation for COVID-19 was unchanged. The Delta variant appeared more (1.47) transmissible than Alpha. Re-infections were low in all UK regions. Vaccination markedly (69-84%) reduced risk of Delta infection. Interpretation COVID-19 from Delta or Alpha infections is clinically similar. The Delta variant is more transmissible than Alpha; however, current vaccines show good efficacy against disease. Funding UK Government Department of Health and Social Care, Wellcome Trust, UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, UK Research and Innovation London Medical Imaging & Artificial Intelligence Centre for Value Based Healthcare, UK National Institute for Health Research, UK Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation, Alzheimer9s Society, and ZOE Limited.
Background SARS-CoV-2 vaccination might impact on clinical progression of cases with breakthrough COVID-19 disease. Objective to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on disease progression in COVID-19 hospitalized patient Methods and Findings Two-hundred eighty-four consecutive COVID-19 hospitalized patients, including 50 vaccinated cases entered the study. Compared to unvaccinated cases, vaccinated patients were older, exhibited more comorbidities and did not differ for COVID-19 severity at admission. During hospitalisation, unvaccinated patients showed worse disease progression, including higher need of oxygen and higher risk of death compared to vaccinated patients (OR 3.3; 1.05-10.7 95% CI in the whole cohort and OR 54.8; 3.5-852 in the ventilated cases). Discussion These findings argue for an important reduction in severity among vaccine breakthrough infection compared to unvaccinated cases in COVID-19 disease.
Previous vaccine efficacy (VE) studies have estimated neutralizing and binding antibody concentrations that correlate with protection from symptomatic infection; how these estimates compare to those generated in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection is unclear. Here, we assessed quantitative neutralizing and binding antibody concentrations using standardized SARS-CoV-2 assays on 3,067 serum specimens collected during July 27, 2020-August 27, 2020 from COVID-19 unvaccinated persons with detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using qualitative antibody assays. Quantitative neutralizing and binding antibody concentrations were strongly positively correlated (r=0.76, p<0.0001) and were noted to be several fold lower in the unvaccinated study population as compared to published data on concentrations noted 28 days post-vaccination. In this convenience sample, ~88% of neutralizing and ~63-86% of binding antibody concentrations met or exceeded concentrations associated with 70% COVID-19 VE against symptomatic infection from published VE studies; ~30% of neutralizing and 1-14% of binding antibody concentrations met or exceeded concentrations associated with 90% COVID-19 VE. These data support observations of infection-induced immunity and current recommendations for vaccination post infection to maximize protection against symptomatic COVID-19.
BACKGROUND Shortness of breath, chest pain, and palpitations occur as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), but whether symptoms are associated with echocardiographic abnormalities, cardiac biomarkers, or markers of systemic inflammation remains unknown. METHODS In a cross-sectional analysis, we assessed symptoms, performed echocardiograms, and measured biomarkers among adults >8 weeks after PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We modeled associations between symptoms and baseline characteristics, echocardiographic findings, and biomarkers using logistic regression. RESULTS We enrolled 102 participants at a median 7.2 months (IQR 4.1-9.1) following COVID-19 onset; 47 individuals reported dyspnea, chest pain, or palpitations. Median age was 52 years (range 24-86) and 41% were women. Female sex (OR 2.55, 95%CI 1.13-5.74) and hospitalization during acute infection (OR 3.25, 95%CI 1.08-9.82) were associated with symptoms. IgG antibody to SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (OR 1.38 per doubling, 95%CI 1.38-1.84) and high- sensitivity C-reactive protein (OR 1.31 per doubling, 95%CI 1.00-1.71) were associated with symptoms. Regarding echocardiographic findings, 4/47 (9%) with symptoms had pericardial effusions compared to 0/55 without symptoms (p=0.038); those with pericardial effusions had a median 4 symptoms compared to 1 without (p<0.001). There was no strong evidence for a relationship between symptoms and echocardiographic functional parameters (including left ventricular ejection fraction and strain, right ventricular strain, pulmonary artery pressure) or high-sensitivity troponin, NT-pro-BNP, interleukin-10, interferon-gamma, or tumor necrosis factor-alpha. CONCLUSIONS Among adults in the post-acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, SARS-CoV-2 RBD antibodies, markers of inflammation and, possibly, pericardial effusions are associated with cardiopulmonary symptoms. Investigation into inflammation as a mechanism underlying PASC is warranted.
Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs), firefighters, and other first responders are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to healthcare personnel but have relatively low COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Resistance to COVID-19 vaccine mandates among first responders has the potential to disrupt essential public services and threaten public health and safety. Using data from the HEROES-RECOVER prospective cohorts, we report on the increased illness burden of COVID-19 among unvaccinated first responders. From January to September 2021, first responders contributed to weekly active surveillance for COVID-19-like illness (CLI). Self-collected respiratory specimens collected weekly, irrespective of symptoms, and at the onset CLI were tested by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) assay for SARS-CoV-2. Among 1415 first responders, 17% were LEOs, 68% firefighters, and 15% had other first responder occupations. Unvaccinated (41%) compared to fully vaccinated (59%) first responders were less likely to believe COVID-19 vaccines are very or extremely effective (17% versus 54%) or very or extremely safe (15% versus 54%). From January through September 2021, among unvaccinated LEOs, the incidence of COVID-19 was 11.9 per 1,000 person-weeks (95%CI=7.0-20.1) compared to only 0.6 (95%CI=0.2-2.5) among vaccinated LEOs. Incidence of COVID-19 was also higher among unvaccinated firefighters (9.0 per 1,000 person-weeks; 95%CI=6.4-12.7) compared to those vaccinated (1.8 per 1,000; 95%CI=1.1-2.8). Once they had laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, unvaccinated first responders were sick for a mean+/-SD of 14.7+/-21.7 days and missed a mean of 38.0+/-46.0 hours of work. These findings suggest that state and local governments with large numbers of unvaccinated first responders may face major disruptions in their workforce due to COVID-19 illness.
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
Sponsor:
Hoffmann-La Roche
Suspended
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome In Severe Cases of COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Biological: Injection of secretome - mesenchymal stem cell; Other: Placebo; Drug: Standard treatment of Covid-19
Sponsor: Indonesia University
Completed
Allogenic UCMSCs as Adjuvant Therapy for Severe COVID-19 Patients - Condition: Covid 19
Interventions: Biological: Normoxic Allogenic UCMSC; Other: Normal saline solution
Sponsors: Kementerian Riset dan Teknologi / Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, Indonesia; Dr. Moewardi General Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia; Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia; PT Bifarma Adiluhung
Recruiting
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Extracellular Vesicles Infusion Treatment for Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19: A Phase II Clinical Trial - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Drug: ExoFlo
Sponsor: Direct Biologics, LLC
Recruiting
Physical Fitness in Young Healthy Adults After COVID-19 Infection - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Other: Physical Activity Level; Other: Evaluation of knee extension and elbow flexion muscle strength; Other: Evaluation of functional strength of trunk muscles; Other: Muscle Endurance; Other: Flexibility; Other: Balance; Other: Fatigue
Sponsor:
Baskent University
Enrolling by invitation
The South Proxa-Rescue AndroCoV Trial Against COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Drug: Proxalutamide; Drug: Placebo
Sponsors: Corpometria Institute; Hospital da Brigada Militar de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Hospital Arcanjo Sao Miguel, Gramado, Brazil; Hospital Unimed Chapeco, Chapeco, Brazil
Completed
Vitamin D Supplementation and Clinical Improvement in COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Dietary Supplement: Vitamin D3 10000 IU; Dietary Supplement: Vitamin D3 1000 IU
Sponsor: Bumi Herman
Completed
Feasibility Pilot Clinical Trial of Omega-3 Supplement vs. Placebo for Post Covid-19 Recovery Among Health Care Workers - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Drug: Omega-3 (EPA+DHA); Drug: Placebo
Sponsor: Hackensack Meridian Health
Not yet recruiting
Controlled Trial of Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) & Chemokine Receptor Type 2 (CCR2) Antagonist for the Treatment of COVID-19 - Conditions: COVID-19; SARS-CoV2 Infection
Interventions: Drug: Candesartan Cilexetil; Drug: Repagermanium; Drug: Candesartan Placebo; Drug: Repagermanium Placebo
Sponsors:
University of Sydney; The George Institute for Global Health, India
Not yet recruiting
Partnerships to Address COVID-19 Inequities - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Behavioral: Crowdsourced campaign package; Behavioral: Standard information
Sponsor: Duke University
Not yet recruiting
Study to Evaluate the inHaled Recombinant COVID-19 Vaccine (Adenovirus Type 5 Vector) On the Protective-Efficacy in Adults (SeiHOPE) - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Biological: Recombinant COVID-19 vaccine (adenovirus type 5 vector) for Inhalation (Ad5-nCoV-IH); Biological: Placebo
Sponsors: CanSino Biologics Inc.; Beijing Institute of Biotechnology
Not yet recruiting
Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety of Single-dose Sotrovimab in High-risk Pediatric Participants With Mild to Moderate COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Intervention: Biological: Sotrovimab
Sponsors:
GlaxoSmithKline; Vir Biotechnology, Inc.
Not yet recruiting
PREVENT-COVID-19: A Q-Griffithsin Intranasal Spray - Condition: COVID-19 Prevention
Interventions: Drug: Q-Griffithsin; Other: Placebo
Sponsors: Kenneth Palmer; United States Department of Defense
Recruiting
Inhaled Recombinant Non-immunogenic Staphylokinase vs Placebo in Patients With COVID-19 - FORRIF Trial - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Drug: Recombinant nonimmunogenic staphylokinase; Drug: Placebo
Sponsors: Supergene, LLC; Russian Academy of Medical Sciences
Not yet recruiting
Nutritional Supplementation of Vitamin D, Quercetin and Curcumin With Standard of Care for Managing Mild Early Symptoms of COVID-19 - Condition: COVID-19
Interventions: Drug: Standard of care; Dietary Supplement: Investigational treatment
Sponsor: King Edward Medical University
Recruiting
ADAM17/MMP inhibition prevents neutrophilia and lung injury in a mouse model of COVID-19 - Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by lung injury, cytokine storm, and increased neutrophil-to- lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Current therapies focus on reducing viral replication and inflammatory responses, but no specific treatment exists to prevent the development of severe COVID-19 in infected individuals. Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is the receptor for SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, but it is also critical for maintaining the correct functionality of…
Amilorides inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro by targeting RNA structures - [Figure: see text].
Coronavirus transmissible gastroenteritis virus antagonizes the antiviral effect of the microRNA miR-27b via the IRE1 pathway - Although the functional parameters of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been explored to some extent, the roles of these molecules in coronavirus infection and the regulatory mechanism of miRNAs in virus infection are still unclear. Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is an enteropathgenic coronavirus and causes high morbidity and mortality in suckling piglets. Here, we demonstrated that microRNA-27b-3p (miR-27b-3p) suppressed TGEV replication by directly targeting porcine suppressor of cytokine…
Three-dimensional reconstruction by electron tomography for the application to ultrastructural analysis of SARS- CoV-2 particles - SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of COVID-19. The three-dimensional morphology of viral particles existing and multiplying in infected cells has not been established by electron tomography, which is different from cryo-electron tomography using frozen samples. In this study, we establish the morphological structure of SARS-CoV-2 particles by three-dimensional reconstruction of images obtained by electron tomography and transmission electron microscopy of biological samples embedded in epoxy resin. The…
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 1,5-disubstituted α-amino tetrazole derivatives as non-covalent inflammasome-caspase-1 complex inhibitors with potential application against immune and inflammatory disorders - Compounds targeting the inflammasome-caspase-1 pathway could be of use for the treatment of inflammation and inflammatory diseases. Previous caspase-1 inhibitors were in great majority covalent inhibitors and failed in clinical trials. Using a mixed modelling, computational screening, synthesis and in vitro testing approach, we identified a novel class of non-covalent caspase-1 non cytotoxic inhibitors which are able to inhibit IL-1β release in activated macrophages in the low μM range, in line…
Combined deep learning and molecular docking simulations approach identifies potentially effective FDA approved drugs for repurposing against SARS-CoV-2 - The ongoing pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed a serious threat to global public health. Drug repurposing is a time-efficient approach to finding effective drugs against SARS-CoV-2 in this emergency. Here, we present a robust experimental design combining deep learning with molecular docking experiments to identify the most promising candidates from the list of FDA-approved drugs that can be repurposed to treat COVID-19. We have employed a deep learning-based Drug Target…
Nanovesicles derived from bispecific CAR-T cells targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 for treating COVID-19 - CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we demonstrate that nanovesicles derived from CAR-T cells targeting the spike protein of SARS- COV-2 have the ability to neutralize Spike-pseudotyped virus and target antiviral drugs. This novel therapeutic approach may help to solve the dilemma faced by neutralizing antibodies and small-molecule drugs in the treatment of COVID-19.
Human Defensins from antivirals to vaccine adjuvants: rediscovery of the innate immunity arsenal - Human defensins are a class of antimicrobial peptides, belonging to the innate immunity system. These peptides are expressed at the level of respiratory tract (both upper and lower) where they represent the first line of defense against pathogens; they are also known for their activity against different viruses, acting through diverse mechanisms, including direct binding to the virus, inhibition of viral replication, and aggregation of virions. It has been recently reported they are also…
SARS-CoV-2: Can sunlight exposure reduce the risk of developing severe consequences of COVID-19? - Herein it is proposed that sufficient exposure to sunlight (UVB) modulates host gene expression, offering protection against severe consequences of COVID-19. This could be in addition to sunlight (UVB)-mediated protection by directly inactivating the virus and limiting the viral load. It is suggested that inhibition of CCR2, DPP9, HSPA1L, IFNAR2, OAS1, and TYK2 may, in part, explain UVB-mediated protection against severe consequences of COVID-19.
Both Baicalein and Gallocatechin Gallate Effectively Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Replication by Targeting M(pro) and Sepsis in Mice - The emergence of severe acute syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in December 2019 has led to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Although the symptoms of most COVID-19 patients are mild or self-curable, most of severe patients have sepsis caused by cytokine storms, which greatly increases the case fatality rate. Moreover, there is no effective drug that can limit the novel coronavirus thus far, so it is more needed to develop antiviral drugs for the SARS-CoV-2. In our research, we employed the…
NSAIDs and Kelleni’s protocol as potential early COVID-19 treatment game changer: could it be the final countdown? - We have previously published several papers illustrating numerous immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential benefits when we repurposed safe, generic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)/nitazoxanide/azithromycin (Kelleni’s protocol), to early manage our COVID-19 pediatric, adult, and pregnant patients. In this manuscript, we discuss some recently published meta-analysis and clinical studies supporting our practice and discuss a molecular study that might be interpreted as an…
Phytonutrient Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2/NSP5-Encoded Main Protease (M(pro)) Autocleavage Enzyme Critical for COVID-19 Pathogenesis - The genomic reshuffling, mutagenicity, and high transmission rate of the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen highlights an urgent need for effective antiviral interventions for COVID-19 control. Targeting the highly conserved viral genes and/or gene- encoded viral proteins such as main proteinase (M^(pro)), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and helicases are plausible antiviral approaches to prevent replication and propagation of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Coronaviruses (CoVs) are prone to extensive…
In silico screening and covalent binding of phytochemicals of Ocimum sanctum against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID 19) main protease - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has compelled the scientific community to search for an effective drug that can cure or a vaccine that can prevent the disease. Alternatively, symptomatic treatment and traditional immunity boosters are prescribed. Holy Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) has been known as an ancient remedy for cure of common cold and respiratory ailment. Several reports have come on virtual screening of phytochemicals…
Molecular docking of anthocyanins and ternatin in Clitoria ternatea as coronavirus disease oral manifestation therapy - Herbal active compound with immunoregulator ability is considered a potential therapy for COVID-19 oral manifestation by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokine storm. Meanwhile, anthocyanin and ternatin are the active compounds in Clitoria ternatea, which may act as a potential immunoregulator for COVID-19 therapy. The intention of this investigation was to investigate anthocyanin and ternatin as active compounds in C. ternatea that may be able to increase anti-inflammatory cytokine and…
Fighting SARS-CoV-2 with green seaweed Ulva sp. extract: extraction protocol predetermines crude ulvan extract anti- SARS-CoV-2 inhibition properties in in vitro Vero-E6 cells assay - Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to screen for novel compounds with antiviral activity against SARS- COV-2. Here we compared chemical composition and the in vitro anti- SARS-COV-2 activity of two different Ulva sp. crude ulvan extracts: one obtained by an HCl-based and another one by ammonium oxalate-based (AOx) extraction protocols. The composition of the crude extracts was analyzed and their antiviral activity was assessed in a cytopathic effect reduction assay using Vero E6…
A DOORBELL SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND RECORDING A PHYSIOLOGICAL DATA OF A PERSON - AbstractTitle: A doorbell system for monitoring and recording a physiological data of a person The present invention provides a doorbell system 500 for monitoring and recording a physiological data of a person. The doorbell system 500 having a transmitter module 100 and a receiving module 200. The transmitter module 100 is having a TOF sensor module 110, an ultrasound detector 120, and an infrared detector 130. Further, a speech recognition system 150, a facial recognition system 160, and a temperature detector 190 are provided for recognizing speech, face, and temperature of the person by comparing pre-stored data. A controlling module 180 is set with a predefined commands for communicating with the transmitter module 100 and receiving module 200. The collected facial and speech data is compared and matched with the pre-stored data then the temperature detector 190 triggers and the door opens when the captured body temperature of the person is matched within the predefined range of temperature.Figure 1 - link
A study of contemporary trends in investing patterns, household savings, and economic investment. - Because household savings and household investments are intertwined and interdependent, they are discussed briefly in this paper. Household savings account for more than half of a country’s capital formation, which fluctuates due to a variety of economic factors such as inflation and interest rates. Households should gradually shift their savings and investments from physical assets to financial assets to avoid a sudden change in wealth. They should also save and invest using a variety of platforms. Trends in investing and saving will be easier to track and measure this way. This year’s domestic saving rate in India is 2.3 percent lower than last year’s and 1.2 percent lower than the year before. Since 2011, general domestic savings have been steadily declining, with the trend continuing into the following year. According to official data, the GDP in 2020 shrank by 23.9%, the least in previous years and the least since the Covid-19 pandemic in previous years. As a result, the information presented in this paper is drawn from and evaluated from other sources - link
PROLIPOSOMAL DRY POWDER INHALER OF REMDESIVIR - The present invention is related to Proliposomal Dry Powder Inhaler of Remdesivir and its method thereof for the treatment of viral infections such Coronaviridae (including COVID-19 infection). - link
Use of Diminazene Aceturate, Xanthenone, ACE 2 activators or analogs for the Treatment and therapeutic use of COVID-19 on human patients. - - link
ACTIVE RIDER SAFETY SYSTEM FOR TWO WHEELERS - The present invention relates to an active rider safety system for two wheelers comprising, a protective case equipped by a user for riding, where the case is integrated with multiple piezoelectric sensor that determines fastening of the case by user, a processing unit linked to the sensor, where the unit detects absence of case upon fetching data from the sensor below a threshold value and thereby terminates operation of ignition by stopping a coupled motor operated via a radio frequency module, an alcohol detection sensor that detects presence of alcohol and send data to processing unit, a temperature sensor that measures temperature of the user, an accelerometer sensor that activates upon ignition us tuned on to determine presence of a crash and a navigation module that via communication module sends location of user to pre saved users and concerned authorities. - link
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and uses thereof I - - link
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and uses thereof II - - link
Secured Health monitoring system using cloud computing - As used in public health surveillance, the invention generally relates to remote health monitoring systems with cloud computing. This is particularly relevant about a multi-user remote health monitoring system that can detect and gather data from healthcare professionals on the ground and systems in laboratories and hospitals to help the public health sector. It is possible to utilize the system for tracking, monitoring, and collecting patient data and for querying and collecting more information on the health of the people. - link
Bst DNA聚合酶重组突变体、其编码DNA及超快磁珠LAMP检测方法 - 本发明在野生型Bst DNA聚合酶序列上进行了Ser358Asp、Thr480Asn、Asp533Glu、Ala539Gly几个点位的突变，然后将进行点突变后的Bst DNA聚合酶的292‑305的氨基酸EGLLKVVRPDTKKV替换成DPLPDLIHPRTLRL，在突变后Bst DNA聚合酶序列的C端融合了一个DNA结合蛋白，在突变后Bst DNA聚合酶序列的N端融合了一个HP47多肽序列（SEQ ID No.17），在HP47多肽序列前面融合了一个CL7‑SUMO‑Tag，得到一种具有高活性和热稳定性的Bst DNA聚合酶重组突变体Super‑Bst（SEQ ID No.16）。Super‑Bst在热稳定性、特异性、链置换能力、延伸能力和逆转录酶活性上得到了显著地提升，能够耐受高盐和各类抑制剂，且可以通过原核表达和亲和纯化大量获得。本发明还公开了其编码DNA，以及一种超快磁珠LAMP检测方法。 - link
一种新型冠状病毒及其德尔塔突变株检测试剂盒及其检测方法 - 本发明提供了一种新型冠状病毒及其德尔塔突变株检测试剂盒及其检测方法，属于分子生物学检测技术领域。本发明重新设计了一系列引物探针组，增加检测靶点，从而有效区分新型冠状病毒野生型和德尔塔突变株。可用于体外定性检测新型冠状病毒或德尔塔突变株感染的肺炎疑似病例、疑似聚集性病例患者、其他需要进行新型冠状病毒感染诊断或鉴别诊断者的鼻咽拭子、痰液等样本中的新型冠状病毒基因。 - link