Effect of Ivermectin on Time to Resolution of Symptoms Among Adults With Mild COVID-19
This randomized trial compares the effects of ivermectin vs placebo on time to symptom resolution within 21 days among patients with mild COVID-19. // 4.3.2021
Hypertonic saline solution shown to inhibit replication of SARS-CoV-2
Researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil have shown that a hypertonic saline solution inhibits replication of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and have elucidated the biochemical mechanism involved. // 22.9.2021
Decline in SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies and unique cytokine profile in severe COVID-19 patients
A new study has focused on antibody levels and cytokine profiles of COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms, pneumonia, and severe pneumonia. // 21.9.2021
New cell-free antibody generation platform successfully creates neutralizing antibodies effective against SARS-CoV-2
Researchers from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have created a cell-free nanobody engineering platform that can produce antibodies effectively and quickly. // 21.9.2021
Neurokinin-1 receptor: a potential drug target for the treatment of COVID-19
An opinion article aims to provide evidence that SP could be the possible factor for initiating the cytokine storm during severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. // 21.9.2021
Dynamics of innate immune responses decide COVID-19 severity in genetically diverse mice
In a recently published article on the bioRxiv* preprint server, scientists from the USA and UK have described the significance of early inflammatory signaling pathways in determining the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). // 21.9.2021
Changes in fibrin clot structure contributes to thrombosis risk in severe COVID-19
Researchers from Europe recently demonstrated altered levels of factor XII (FXII) and its activation products in 2 independent cohorts of critically ill patients with COVID-19 compared to patients suffering from severe acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by the influenza virus (acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)-influenza). // 21.9.2021
Scientists hypothesize SARS-CoV-2 cryptically circulating among humans before the current outbreak
As nations begin to recover, researchers from the National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica in Taipei have been looking to identify the changes the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) underwent over the course of the pandemic in order to better understand why the disease showed such virulence. // 20.9.2021
SARS-CoV-2 NSP1 protein suppresses host genes while enhancing viral RNA expression
In a recent study, researchers study the molecular aspects of SARS-CoV-2 host cell entry and inhibition of host-specific cellular mechanisms. // 20.9.2021
EFFICACY OF THE MEASLES-MUMPS-RUBELLA (MMR) VACCINE IN THE REDUCING THE SEVERITY OF COVID-19: AN INTERIM ANALYSIS OF A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL
Background: COVID–19 is still a challenge, both with regard to its treatment and to the actual efficacy of the vaccines available to date, especially with the emergence of new variants. We evaluated the efficacy of the measles–mumps–rubella (MMR) vaccine in preventing SARS–CoV–2 infection and severity of COVID–19 in health workers. Methods: This analysis includes data from one ongoing blinded, randomized, placebo–controlled trial with participants aged 18–60 years were randomly assigned to receive the MMR vaccine or a placebo. The primary efficacy analysis included all participants with a positive nasopharyngeal RT–PCR test since their inclusion. Results: The MMR vaccine did not prevent the SARS–CoV–2 infection. Participants in the MMR group, compared with those in the placebo group, had a 48% risk reduction in symptomatic COVID–19 (RR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.33-0.83; p=0.004) and a 76% risk reduction in COVID–19 treatment (RR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.06-0.88; p = 0.020) with one dose and a 51% risk reduction in COVID–19 symptoms (RR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.31 – 0.78; p = 0.001) and a 78% risk reduction in COVID–19 treatment (RR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.06-0.82; p = 0.015) with two doses. Conclusions: This interim analysis of an ongoing clinical trial suggests that compared with a placebo, the vaccine reduces the risk of COVID–19 symptoms and reduces the need for COVID–19 treatment. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Clinical Trial Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC RBR-2xd6dkj) https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-2xd6dkj ### Funding Statement We would like to thank the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) and Santa Catarina State Research and Innovation Foundation (FAPESC) for financing the study; University Hospital Prof Polydoro Ernani de Sao Thiago (HU/UFSC/EBSERH) for the research site where the study was carried out; FiocruzBiomanguinhos Laboratory for the supply of vaccines; Santa Catarina State Health Secretariat (SES/SC) and Central Public Health Laboratory (LACEN) for conducting the RT PCR tests for SARS CoV 2; Florianopolis Municipal Health Department (SMS/PMF), Health Center of Sao Jose Citty Hall (SMS/PMSJ) and UFSC Health Sciences Center (CCS/UFSC) for the supply of consumables for the study. ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: The trial protocol was reviewed and approved by Ethics Committees of Federal University of Santa Catarina (number 4.254.143) and National Research Ethics Committee (number 4.274.984). All necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines and uploaded the relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material as supplementary files, if applicable. Yes The results of this study are preliminary and the study is ongoing. A complete de-identified patient dataset will be available upon completion of clinical trials and publication of the results of the completed study upon request to the corresponding author. // 20.9.2021
A new study discusses the importance of common, rare, and intermediate variants of several host genes to the clinical severity of infection with SARS-CoV-2. // 21.9.2021
T cell immunity induced after mild COVID could contribute to protection against re-infection
An interesting new study finds that in both adults and children, a mild infection with the SARS-CoV-2 elicits an antigen-specific memory T-cell response. // 20.9.2021
I got a ‘mild’ breakthrough case. Here’s what I wish I’d known.
The test results that hot day in early August shouldn’t have surprised me — all the symptoms were there. A few days earlier, fatigue had enveloped me like a weighted blanket. I chalked it up to my weekend of travel. Next, a headache clamped down on the back of my skull. // 20.9.2021
The influence of prior seasonal coronavirus infection on disease severity in COVID-19
A new study posted to the bioRxiv* server attempted to explore anti-spike IgG responses, Fc-gamma receptor (FcγR) activation, IgG targeting of immunodominant regions, and recall responses due to seasonal hCoV infections in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. // 20.9.2021
Research on SARS-CoV-2 and dendritic cells may explain why virus is so virulent
In a recent study released on the bioRxiv* preprint server, the researchers suggest that an aberrant inflammatory reaction associated with COVID-19 could be a result of escape from direct sensing by toll-like receptors (TLRs). // 20.9.2021
Study highlights the usefulness of organoids for basic research into coronaviruses
Researchers from the group of Hans Clevers in collaboration with the group of Bart Haagmans (Erasmus MC) established an organoid biobank to search for the genes that are essential for the spreading of a SARS-CoV2 infection. // 20.9.2021
Development of a potential pan-variant aerosol to manage COVID-19
Researchers hypothesized that if APN01 could be directly introduced into the airways of an infected person, it could locally neutralize SARS-CoV-2. // 19.9.2021
What are the different types of COVID-19 tests - and could saliva samples be transformative?
COVID-19 testing is becoming more common in the UK as, along with mass vaccinations, it helps to open up society at a time when restrictions are easing.
Fatal COVID-19 infections linked to poor immune responses and elevated MAIT cell activation
Antibodies and T cells play a critical role in protection from viral illness, however the exact role of T cell and antibody responses in SARS-CoV-2 infection is unclear. // 17.9.2021
Sex defining factors influence expression of ACE2 and other SARS-CoV-2 machinery
Results from this study provided evidence for the hypothesis that sex-defining factors influence the expression of ACE2 and other SARS CoV-2 machinery. // 17.9.2021
In a study available on the preprint server medRxiv*, researchers have created a vaccine designed to overcome issues associated with attenuated-virus vaccines. // 17.9.2021
Did the coronavirus jump from animals to people...
Nature - A preliminary analysis of viral genomes suggests the COVID-19 pandemic might have multiple animal origins – but the findings still have to be peer reviewed. // 16.8.2021
Koronapandemian alkuperästä löytyi täysin uutta tietoa – vie pohjaa teorialta laboratoriovuodosta
Teoria koronaviruksen vuotamisesta karkuun Wuhanin virologisesta instituutista menettää uskottavuuttaan, kertoo Nature-lehti tuoreessa artikkelissa. // 16.8.2021
MPR-rokote voi suojata vakavalta koronalta – katso, oletko saanut sen
Suomessa rokotetaan nykyään kaikki lapset kahdesti MPR-rokotteella. Se voi selittää lasten vähäistä ja lieväoireista sairastumista koronavirukseen.// 2.12.2020