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Capodici A, Salussolia A, Sanmarchi F, Gori D, Golinelli D. Biased, wrong and counterfeited evidences published during the COVID-19 pandemic, a systematic review of retracted COVID-19 papers. QUALITY & QUANTITY 2022; 57:1-33. [PMID: 36466994 PMCID: PMC9707851 DOI: 10.1007/s11135-022-01587-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In 2020 COVID-19 led to an unprecedented stream of papers being submitted to journals. Scientists and physicians all around the globe were in need for information about this new disease. In this climate, many articles were accepted after extremely fast peer-reviews to provide the scientific community with the latest discoveries and knowledge. Unfortunately, this also led to articles retraction due to authors' misconduct or errors in methodology and/or conclusions. The aim of this study is to investigate the number and characteristics of retracted papers, and to explore the main causes that led to retraction. We conducted a systematic review on retracted articles, using PubMed as data source. Our inclusion criteria were the following: English-language retracted articles that reported original data, results, opinions or hypotheses on COVID-19 and Sars-CoV-2. Twenty-seven retracted articles were identified, mainly reporting observational studies and opinion pieces. Many articles published during the first year of the pandemic have been retracted, mainly due to the authors' scientific misconduct. Duplications, plagiarism, frauds and absence of consent, were the main reasons for retractions. In modern medicine, researchers are required to publish frequently, and, especially during situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, when articles were rapidly published, gaps in peer-reviews system and in the path to scientific publication arose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Capodici
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Informatics), Stanford University - School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Aurelia Salussolia
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Sanmarchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Gori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Golinelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Al-Harrasi A, Behl T, Upadhyay T, Chigurupati S, Bhatt S, Sehgal A, Bhatia S, Singh S, Sharma N, Vijayabalan S, Palanimuthu VR, Das S, Kaur R, Aleya L, Bungau S. Targeting natural products against SARS-CoV-2. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:42404-42432. [PMID: 35362883 PMCID: PMC8972763 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19770-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The human coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by a novel coronavirus; the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Natural products, secondary metabolites show positive leads with antiviral and immunotherapy treatments using genomic studies in silico docking. In addition, it includes the action of a mechanism targeting the SARS-CoV-2. In this literature, we aimed to evaluate the antiviral movement of the NT-VRL-1 unique terpene definition to Human coronavirus (HCoV-229E). The effects of 19 hydrolysable tannins on the SARS-CoV-2 were therefore theoretically reviewed and analyzed utilising the molecular operating surroundings for their C-Like protease 3CLpro catalytic dyad residues Angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (MOE 09). Pedunculagin, tercatan, and castalin were detected as interacting strongly with SARS-receptor Cov-2's binding site and catalytic dyad (Cys145 and His41). SARS-CoV-2 methods of subunit S1 (ACE2) inhibit the interaction of the receiver with the s-protein once a drug molecule is coupled to the s-protein and prevent it from infecting the target cells in alkaloids. Our review strongly demonstrates the evidence that natural compounds and their derivatives can be used against the human coronavirus and serves as an area of research for future perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat Al Mawz, Oman
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.
| | - Tanuj Upadhyay
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Sridevi Chigurupati
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Shvetank Bhatt
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Aayush Sehgal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Saurabh Bhatia
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat Al Mawz, Oman
- School of Health Science, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sukhbir Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Neelam Sharma
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Shantini Vijayabalan
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vasanth Raj Palanimuthu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Suprava Das
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Semeling, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Rajwinder Kaur
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Lotfi Aleya
- Chrono-Environment Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6249, Bourgogne Franche-Comté University, Besançon, France
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
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3
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Kaye DK. Navigating ethical challenges of conducting randomized clinical trials on COVID-19. Philos Ethics Humanit Med 2022; 17:2. [PMID: 35086524 PMCID: PMC8794733 DOI: 10.1186/s13010-022-00115-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The contemporary frameworks for clinical research require informed consent for research participation that includes disclosure of material information, comprehension of disclosed information and voluntary consent to research participation. There is thus an urgent need to test, and an ethical imperative, to test, modify or refine medications or healthcare plans that could reduce patient morbidity, lower healthcare costs or strengthen healthcare systems. METHODS Conceptual review. DISCUSSION Although some allocation principles seem better than others, no single moral principle allocates interventions justly, necessitating combining the moral principles into multiprinciple allocation systems. The urgency notwithstanding, navigating ethical challenges related to conducting corona virus disease (COVID-19) clinical trials is mandatory, in order to safeguard the safety and welfare of research participants, ensure autonomy of participants, reduce possibilities for exploitation and ensure opportunities for research participation. The ethical challenges to can be categorized as challenges in allocation of resources for research; challenges of clinical equipoise in relation to the research questions; challenges of understanding disclosed information in potential participants; and challenges in obtaining informed consent. CONCLUSION To navigate these challenges, stakeholders need a delicate balance of moral principles during allocation of resources for research. Investigators need to apply information processing theories to aid decision-making about research participation or employ acceptable modifications to improve the informed consent process. Research and ethics committees should strengthen research review and oversight to ensure rigor, responsiveness and transparency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Kabonge Kaye
- College of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Deering Hall, 1809 Ashland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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Tulka S, Baulig C, Knippschild S. Protocol of investigation into reporting quality of RCT abstracts on COVID-19 pursuant to CONSORT (CoCo study)-a review. Trials 2021; 22:952. [PMID: 34952635 PMCID: PMC8704064 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05937-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic developed into a global crisis, the enormity and urgency of which accelerated research activities in the field. At the same time, manuscripts describing these research projects underwent fast-track peer review procedures and were published in freely accessible formats. Although full texts about COVID-19 are currently available for free, abstracts continue to play a key role since they provide essential information and possibly a decision basis for therapies. Abstracts are particularly important in case the full texts are not free, not all reports have been published in English and in emergency situations when there is less time for comprehensive analysis of all full texts. It is therefore necessary to ensure that abstracts-as publications in miniature format-contain comprehensive and transparent information. The CONSORT statement for abstracts (CONSORT-A) offers guidelines to authors how to include all necessary information in an abstract. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the quality of reporting in medical research had already been the object of debate and criticism. The current crisis makes comprehensive documentation all the more important. Abstracts of COVID-19 RCTs should therefore report the criteria listed in the CONSORT-A statement fully and verifiably. The objective of this study is to check the completeness of abstracts of all COVID-19 RTCs published to date. METHODS Based on a literature search in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library, all publications up to 29 October 2020 are identified and examined in terms of the subject matter (reported results from COVID-19 studies) and their study design (RTC). Subsequently, suitable publications are examined for completeness and quality of abstracts. The CONSORT checklist for RTC abstracts serves as a basis in this procedure. The primary endpoint of the study is the percentage of correctly implemented items of the CONSORT statement for abstracts. The frequency of correct reporting of each individual item is checked in a second step. DISCUSSION The study is expected to contribute to evaluating the reporting quality on COVID-19 studies, and specifically the completeness of abstracts of RTCs. It may thus support the assessment of current research into COVID-19. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registration was not required as the study investigated existing literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Tulka
- Chair of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (IMBE), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Alfred Herrhausen Straße 50, 58448, Witten, Germany.
| | - Christine Baulig
- Chair of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (IMBE), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Alfred Herrhausen Straße 50, 58448, Witten, Germany
| | - Stephanie Knippschild
- Chair of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology (IMBE), Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Alfred Herrhausen Straße 50, 58448, Witten, Germany
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Uddin MS, Millat MS, Baral PK, Ferdous M, Uddin MG, Sarwar MS, Islam MS. The protective role of vitamin C in the management of COVID-19: A Review. JOURNAL OF THE EGYPTIAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION 2021; 96:33. [PMID: 34894332 PMCID: PMC8665316 DOI: 10.1186/s42506-021-00095-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background The outbreak of coronavirus infectious disease-2019 (COVID-19) is globally deemed a significant threat to human life. Researchers are searching for prevention strategies, mitigation interventions, and potential therapeutics that may reduce the infection’s severity. One such means that is highly being talked in online and in social media is vitamin C. Main text Vitamin C is a robust antioxidant that boosts the immune system of the human body. It helps in normal neutrophil function, scavenging of oxidative species, regeneration of vitamin E, modulation of signaling pathways, activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factors, activation of the signaling cascade, regulation of inflammatory mediators, and phagocytosis and increases neutrophil motility to the site of infection. All of these immunological functions are required for the prevention of COVID-19 infection. Conclusion Considering the role of vitamin C, it would be imperative to administrate vitamin C for the management of severe COVID-19. However, there is no specific clinical data available to confirm the use of vitamin C in the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sarowar Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science & Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Shalahuddin Millat
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science & Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Prodip Kumar Baral
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science & Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Mahmuda Ferdous
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science & Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Md Giash Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Md Shahid Sarwar
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science & Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Safiqul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Noakhali Science & Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh
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6
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Gupta A, Malviya A. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19: time to close the chapter. Postgrad Med J 2021; 97:676-677. [PMID: 32788309 PMCID: PMC10016836 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-138585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anunay Gupta
- Cardiology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Amit Malviya
- Cardiology, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, Shillong, India
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Santos LC, Low YH, Inozemtsev K, Nagrebetsky A. Clinical Research Redirection and Optimization During a Pandemic. Anesthesiol Clin 2021; 39:379-388. [PMID: 34024438 PMCID: PMC8136117 DOI: 10.1016/j.anclin.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen many hurdles to crucial research processes, in particular those that depend on personnel interactions, in providing safeguards against the incipient infectious disease. At the same time, there was a rapid redirection of research, driven by popular and social media and demand for pandemic-related content, to the detriment of non-COVID-19 research and perhaps to COVID-19 research itself. This article provides historical context to research redirection and discusses approaches to optimizing research methodology in the setting of COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmilla Candido Santos
- Emergency Medicine Network, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ying Hui Low
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Konstantin Inozemtsev
- Department of Anesthesiology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Alexander Nagrebetsky
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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8
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Shang Y, Liu T, Li J, Kaweme NM, Wang X, Zhou F. Impact of Treatment Regimens on Antibody Response to the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus. Front Immunol 2021; 12:580147. [PMID: 33936026 PMCID: PMC8082543 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.580147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is widely spread and remains a global pandemic. Limited evidence on the systematic evaluation of the impact of treatment regimens on antibody responses exists. Our study aimed to analyze the role of antibody response on prognosis and determine factors influencing the IgG antibodies’ seroconversion. A total of 1,111 patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms admitted to Leishenshan Hospital in Wuhan were retrospectively analyzed. A serologic SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG antibody test was performed on all the patients 21 days after the onset of symptoms. Patient clinical characteristics were compared. In the study, 42 patients progressed to critical illness, with 6 mortalities reported while 1,069 patients reported mild to moderate disease. Advanced age (P = 0.028), gasping (P < 0.001), dyspnea (P = 0.024), and IgG negativity (P = 0.006) were associated with progression to critical illness. The mortality rate in critically ill patients with IgG antibody was 6.45% (95% CI 1.12–22.84%) and 36.36% (95% CI 12.36–68.38%) in patients with no IgG antibody (P = 0.003). Symptomatic patients were more likely to develop IgG antibody responses than asymptomatic patients. Using univariable analysis, fever (P < 0.001), gasping (P = 0.048), cancer (P < 0.001), cephalosporin (P = 0.015), and chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine (P = 0.021) were associated with IgG response. In the multivariable analysis, fever, cancer, cephalosporins, and chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine correlated independently with IgG response. We determined that the absence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody IgG in the convalescent stage had a specific predictive role in critical illness progression. Importantly, risk factors affecting seropositivity were identified, and the effect of antimalarial drugs on antibody response was determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Shang
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingfeng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Xinghuan Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fuling Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Teixeira da Silva JA, Bornemann-Cimenti H, Tsigaris P. Optimizing peer review to minimize the risk of retracting COVID-19-related literature. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2021; 24:21-26. [PMID: 33216274 PMCID: PMC7678589 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-020-09990-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Retractions of COVID-19 literature in both preprints and the peer-reviewed literature serve as a reminder that there are still challenging issues underlying the integrity of the biomedical literature. The risks to academia become larger when such retractions take place in high-ranking biomedical journals. In some cases, retractions result from unreliable or nonexistent data, an issue that could easily be avoided by having open data policies, but there have also been retractions due to oversight in peer review and editorial verification. As COVID-19 continues to affect academics and societies around the world, failures in peer review might also constitute a public health risk. The effectiveness by which COVID-19 literature is corrected, including through retractions, depends on the stringency of measures in place to detect errors and to correct erroneous literature. It also relies on the stringent implementation of open data policies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helmar Bornemann-Cimenti
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 29, 8036, Graz, Austria.
| | - Panagiotis Tsigaris
- Department of Economics, Thompson Rivers University, 805 TRU Way, Kamloops, BC, V2C 0C8, Canada.
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Boschiero MN, Carvalho TA, Marson FADL. Retraction in the era of COVID-19 and its influence on evidence-based medicine: is science in jeopardy? Pulmonology 2021; 27:97-106. [PMID: 33281107 PMCID: PMC7687579 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2020.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Negri Boschiero
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Human and Medical Genetics, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil.
| | - Tatiana Aline Carvalho
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Human and Medical Genetics, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil.
| | - Fernando Augusto de Lima Marson
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Human and Medical Genetics, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil.
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Canedo-Marroquín G, Saavedra F, Andrade CA, Berrios RV, Rodríguez-Guilarte L, Opazo MC, Riedel CA, Kalergis AM. SARS-CoV-2: Immune Response Elicited by Infection and Development of Vaccines and Treatments. Front Immunol 2020; 11:569760. [PMID: 33362758 PMCID: PMC7759609 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.569760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced in March a pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This new infectious disease was named Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19), and at October 2020, more than 39,000,000 cases of SARS-CoV-2 have been detected worldwide leading to near 1,100,000 deaths. Clinically, COVID-19 is characterized by clinical manifestations, such as fever, dry cough, headache, and in more severe cases, respiratory distress. Moreover, neurological-, cardiac-, and renal-related symptoms have also been described. Clinical evidence suggests that migration of immune cells to the affected organs can produce an exacerbated release of proinflammatory mediators that contribute to disease and render the immune response as a major player during the development of the COVID-19 disease. Due to the current sanitary situation, the development of vaccines is imperative. Up to the date, 42 prototypes are being tested in humans in different clinical stages, with 10 vaccine candidates undergoing evaluation in phase III clinical trials. In the same way, the search for an effective treatment to approach the most severe cases is also in constant advancement. Several potential therapies have been tested since COVID-19 was described, including antivirals, antiparasitic and immune modulators. Recently, clinical trials with hydroxychloroquine-a promising drug in the beginning-were suspended. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved convalescent serum administration as a treatment for SARS-CoV-2 patients. Moreover, monoclonal antibody therapy is also under development to neutralize the virus and prevent infection. In this article, we describe the clinical manifestations and the immunological information available about COVID-19 disease. Furthermore, we discuss current therapies under study and the development of vaccines to prevent this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Canedo-Marroquín
- Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Farides Saavedra
- Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Catalina A. Andrade
- Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Roslye V. Berrios
- Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Linmar Rodríguez-Guilarte
- Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María C. Opazo
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia A. Riedel
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis M. Kalergis
- Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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12
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Bhagat S, Yadav N, Shah J, Dave H, Swaraj S, Tripathi S, Singh S. Novel corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic: current status and possible strategies for detection and treatment of the disease. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 20:1275-1298. [PMID: 33043740 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1835469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In December 2019, a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak occurred and caused the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), which affected ~ 190 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a pandemic on 11 March 2020. AREA COVERED In the review, a comprehensive analysis of the recent developments of the COVID-19 pandemic has been provided, including the structural characterization of the virus, the current worldwide status of the disease, various detection strategies, drugs recommended for the effective treatment, and progress of vaccine development programs by different countries. This report was constructed by following a systematic literature search of bibliographic databases of published reports of relevance until 1 September 2020. EXPERT OPINION Currently, the countries are opening businesses despite a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases. The pharmaceutical industries are developing clinical diagnostic kits, medicines, and vaccines. They target different approaches, including repurposing the already approved diagnosis and treatment options for similar CoVs. At present, over ~200 vaccine candidates are being developed against COVID-19. Future research may unravel the genetic variations or polymorphisms that dictate these differences in susceptibilities to the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuti Bhagat
- Division of Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Central Campus, Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Nisha Yadav
- Division of Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Central Campus, Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Juhi Shah
- Division of Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Central Campus, Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Harsh Dave
- Division of Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Central Campus, Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Shachee Swaraj
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India.,Centre for Infectious Disease Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Shashank Tripathi
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India.,Centre for Infectious Disease Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sanjay Singh
- Division of Biological and Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Central Campus, Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
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13
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Bramstedt KA. The carnage of substandard research during the COVID-19 pandemic: a call for quality. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2020; 46:803-807. [PMID: 33004545 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2020-106494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide there are currently over 1200 research studies being performed on the topic of COVID-19. Many of these involve children and adults over age 65 years. There are also numerous studies testing investigational vaccines on healthy volunteers. No research team is exempt from the pressures and speed at which COVID-19 research is occurring. And this can increase the risk of honest error as well as misconduct. To date, 33 papers have been identified as unsuitable for public use and either retracted, withdrawn, or noted with concern. Asia is the source of most of these manuscripts (n=19; 57.6%) with China the largest Asian subgroup (n=11; 57.9%). This paper explores these findings and offers guidance for responsible research practice during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina A Bramstedt
- Luxembourg Agency for Research Integrity, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Bond University Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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14
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Forero-Peña DA, Camejo-Ávila NA, Carrión-Nessi FS, Gregorio-Chaviano O, Limaymanta CH, López-Mesa EK. Bibliometric evaluation of Latin American contributions on COVID-19. BIOMEDICA : REVISTA DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD 2020; 40:205-208. [PMID: 33152205 PMCID: PMC7676833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David A Forero-Peña
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica y Vacunas Terapéuticas, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela; Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas del Adulto, Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Caracas, Distrito Capital, Venezuela.
| | | | | | - Orlando Gregorio-Chaviano
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Información, Facultad de Comunicación y Lenguaje, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia.
| | - César H Limaymanta
- Línea de Estadística, Departamento de Ciencias, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Perú.
| | - Evony K López-Mesa
- Coordinación de Servicios al Usuario, Biblioteca, Universidad La Gran Colombia, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia.
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15
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Chen F, Gong S, Li RQ. Research on Drugs and Vaccines for COVID-19 Should Be Conducted and Published With Caution. J Epidemiol 2020; 30:574-575. [PMID: 33041320 PMCID: PMC7661333 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20200408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Chen
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University
| | - Shuai Gong
- Department of Animal Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, Shandong Agricultural University
| | - Run-Qian Li
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University
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16
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Dorooshi G, Zoofaghari S, Samsamshariat S, Rahimi A, Otroshi A. Sudden Death Following Suicide with Colchicine and Chloroquine. Adv Biomed Res 2020; 9:40. [PMID: 33072652 PMCID: PMC7532816 DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_129_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Poisoning with any of the colchicine or chloroquine drugs is rare. These drugs exert therapeutic and toxic effects on tissues by different mechanisms. Colchicine is used to treat a number of rheumatologic diseases and heart problems. In addition, chloroquine is used to treat malaria and some inflammatory diseases. There is a small gap between the therapeutic and toxic doses of these drugs. Gastrointestinal symptoms are the initial causes of poisoning with these drugs and then widespread organ failure in later stages can lead to sudden cardiac death. We introduce a case of concurrent poisoning with both drugs, in which the patient presented with a headache, nausea, and vomiting several hours after suicide. On the 1st day, the patient's status was stable, but on the 2nd day, the patient suddenly becomes ill and died even though the patient received supportive therapy. Concurrent poisoning with chloroquine and colchicine is extremely lethal, and early aggressive management is recommended even in an apparently stable patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gholamali Dorooshi
- Department of Clinical Toxicology, Isfahan Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Khorshid Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shafeajafar Zoofaghari
- Department of Clinical Toxicology, Isfahan Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Khorshid Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shiva Samsamshariat
- Department of Clinical Toxicology, Isfahan Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Khorshid Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Alireza Rahimi
- Clinical Informationist Research Group, Health Information Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Arman Otroshi
- Department of Clinical Toxicology, Isfahan Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Khorshid Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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17
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Shankar PR, Palaian S, Gulam SM. Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine in Prophylaxis and Treatment of COVID-19: What Is Known? J Pharm Bioallied Sci 2020; 13:4-10. [PMID: 34084043 PMCID: PMC8142918 DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_404_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the entire world causing huge economic losses and considerable morbidity and mortality. Considering the explosive growth of the pandemic repurposing existing medicines may be cost-effective and may be approved for use in COVID-19 faster. Researchers and medical practitioners worldwide have explored the use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, in few occasions combined with the macrolide antibiotic azithromycin, for COVID-19 treatment. These two drugs are economic and easily available, and hence gained attention as a potential option for COVID-19 management. As per the available evidence, the outcomes of treatments with these medications are conflicting from both the efficacy and safety (predominantly cardiac related) perspectives. Currently, multiple studies are underway to test the safety and efficacy of these medications and more results are expected in the near future. The retina, the endocrine system (with risk of hypoglycemia), the musculoskeletal system, the hematological system, and the neurological system may also be affected. The use of these drugs is contraindicated in patients with arrhythmias, known hypersensitivity, and in patients on amiodarone. In addition to the published literature, personal communication with doctors treating COVID-19 patients seems to suggest the drugs may be effective in reducing symptoms and hastening clinical recovery. The literature evidence is still equivocal and further results are awaited. There has been recent controversy including retraction of articles published in prestigious journals about these medicines. Their low cost, long history of use, and easy availability are positive factors with regard to use of these drugs in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pathiyil Ravi Shankar
- Faculty, IMU Centre for Education, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Subish Palaian
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shabaz Mohiuddin Gulam
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
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18
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Bawaskar HS, Bawaskar PH. From quarantine room: Physician perspective. J Family Med Prim Care 2020; 9:5092-5102. [PMID: 33409170 PMCID: PMC7773063 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_896_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This write-up is a brief reflection of a rural doctor couple, Dr. Himmatrao Saluba Bawaskar (HSB) and Dr. Pramodini Himmatrao Bawaskar (PHB), working in the remote area of Maharashtra state of India during COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, rural doctors are routinely exposed to symptomatic COVID-positive cases in the outpatient as well as indoor setting. The authors, both husband and wife, were in compulsory quarantine for twice at home and experienced social stigmas attached to a positive case. Here is a report the details of COVID-19 pattern and its management learned from the published scientific papers on COVID-19, and severe acute respiratory syndrome due to SARS-CoV-2 from December 2019 and their own experience in rural setting and the current literature shared in the form of personal narration. Apart from the personal experience of patients experience regarding quarantine period, COVID-19 is discussed in detail for the benefit of rural practitioners.
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19
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Kouznetsov VV. COVID-19 treatment: Much research and testing, but far, few magic bullets against SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 203:112647. [PMID: 32693298 PMCID: PMC7362854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The new virus of the of β-Coronaviruses genus, SARS-CoV-2, is the causative agent of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and is winning a proverbial chess match against all players simultaneous, including physicians, clinicians, pathologists, doctors, scientists, economists, athletes and politicians. The COVID-19 outbreak has seriously threatened public health, killing the most vulnerable persons and causing general panic. To stop this disease, effective remedies (i.e., drugs, vaccines, personal protection elements, etc.) are urgently required. Unfortunately, no registered specific therapies (including antiviral therapies, immune-modulating agents and vaccines) are currently available to treat coronavirus infections, highlighting an urgent need for therapeutics targeting SARS-CoV-2. In this work, fourteen existing small molecule drugs or/and experimental drugs selected by experts and examined from the point of view of bioavailability via the Lipinski-Veber rules and assessment of their physicochemical descriptors. The aim of this study is to discover selected pattern similarities and peculiar characteristics that could be useful for antiviral drug optimization, drug combination or new antiviral agent design.
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20
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Kouznetsov VV. COVID-19 treatment: Much research and testing, but far, few magic bullets against SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Eur J Med Chem 2020. [PMID: 32693298 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112647.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The new virus of the of β-Coronaviruses genus, SARS-CoV-2, is the causative agent of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and is winning a proverbial chess match against all players simultaneous, including physicians, clinicians, pathologists, doctors, scientists, economists, athletes and politicians. The COVID-19 outbreak has seriously threatened public health, killing the most vulnerable persons and causing general panic. To stop this disease, effective remedies (i.e., drugs, vaccines, personal protection elements, etc.) are urgently required. Unfortunately, no registered specific therapies (including antiviral therapies, immune-modulating agents and vaccines) are currently available to treat coronavirus infections, highlighting an urgent need for therapeutics targeting SARS-CoV-2. In this work, fourteen existing small molecule drugs or/and experimental drugs selected by experts and examined from the point of view of bioavailability via the Lipinski-Veber rules and assessment of their physicochemical descriptors. The aim of this study is to discover selected pattern similarities and peculiar characteristics that could be useful for antiviral drug optimization, drug combination or new antiviral agent design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir V Kouznetsov
- Laboratorio de Química Orgánica y Biomolecular, CMN, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Parque Tecnológico Guatiguará, Piedecuesta, 681011, Colombia.
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21
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Riggioni C, Comberiati P, Giovannini M, Agache I, Akdis M, Alves‐Correia M, Antó JM, Arcolaci A, Azkur AK, Azkur D, Beken B, Boccabella C, Bousquet J, Breiteneder H, Carvalho D, De las Vecillas L, Diamant Z, Eguiluz‐Gracia I, Eiwegger T, Eyerich S, Fokkens W, Gao Y, Hannachi F, Johnston SL, Jutel M, Karavelia A, Klimek L, Moya B, Nadeau KC, O'Hehir R, O'Mahony L, Pfaar O, Sanak M, Schwarze J, Sokolowska M, Torres MJ, van de Veen W, van Zelm MC, Wang DY, Zhang L, Jiménez‐Saiz R, Akdis CA. A compendium answering 150 questions on COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2. Allergy 2020; 75:2503-2541. [PMID: 32535955 PMCID: PMC7323196 DOI: 10.1111/all.14449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In December 2019, China reported the first cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This disease, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has developed into a pandemic. To date, it has resulted in ~9 million confirmed cases and caused almost 500 000 related deaths worldwide. Unequivocally, the COVID-19 pandemic is the gravest health and socioeconomic crisis of our time. In this context, numerous questions have emerged in demand of basic scientific information and evidence-based medical advice on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Although the majority of the patients show a very mild, self-limiting viral respiratory disease, many clinical manifestations in severe patients are unique to COVID-19, such as severe lymphopenia and eosinopenia, extensive pneumonia, a "cytokine storm" leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome, endothelitis, thromboembolic complications, and multiorgan failure. The epidemiologic features of COVID-19 are distinctive and have changed throughout the pandemic. Vaccine and drug development studies and clinical trials are rapidly growing at an unprecedented speed. However, basic and clinical research on COVID-19-related topics should be based on more coordinated high-quality studies. This paper answers pressing questions, formulated by young clinicians and scientists, on SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, and allergy, focusing on the following topics: virology, immunology, diagnosis, management of patients with allergic disease and asthma, treatment, clinical trials, drug discovery, vaccine development, and epidemiology. A total of 150 questions were answered by experts in the field providing a comprehensive and practical overview of COVID-19 and allergic disease.
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22
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Kumar M, Al Khodor S. Pathophysiology and treatment strategies for COVID-19. J Transl Med 2020; 18:353. [PMID: 32933536 PMCID: PMC7491044 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02520-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has posed a serious health threat. The increasing number of COVID-19 cases around the world is overwhelming hospitals and pushing the global death toll to over 746,000, which has pushed the sprint to find new treatment options. In this article, we reviewed the SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology, transmission, and potential treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
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23
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Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to correlate the clinical, laboratory, and radiographic characteristics of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease, with fatal outcome. Methods: We reviewed chest X-ray (CXR) features, clinical, and laboratory data of patients with reverse transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. The relationship with mortality was investigated by fitting a logistic regression model. Results: A total of 246 patients were included (170 males; mean age, 63 y). Most of the patients had 1 or more comorbidity (62%); fever (95%), and cough (60%) were the most common symptoms; CXR detected abnormalities in 88.6%, mainly showing ground-glass opacities (GGO) (90%) with bilateral (64%) and peripheral (46%) distribution. Multivariate analysis showed that age (P < 0.001; mortality of 59% in patients >66 y old; 5% at a younger age) and consolidation at CXR (P = 0.001; mortality of 11% with positive CXR; 2% in those without) represented the 2 most significant independent risk factors of mortality. Chronic pathologies, such as diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and peripheral GGO at CXR also showed a significant correlation with mortality. Conclusions: We identified predictive factors for the fatal outcome of COVID-19 patients. The prognostic value of these findings can be useful for optimal patient management and resource allocation.
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24
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Toumi M, Biernikiewicz M, Liang S, Wang Y, Qiu T, Han R. A critical analysis and review of Lancet COVID-19 hydroxychloroquine study. JOURNAL OF MARKET ACCESS & HEALTH POLICY 2020; 8:1809236. [PMID: 33343837 PMCID: PMC7733902 DOI: 10.1080/20016689.2020.1809236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose A international registry analysis led by Mehra et al. to investigate the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and chloroquine (CQ) with or without a macrolide in 96,032 hospitalised COVID-19 patients were published on Lancet, which has raised considerable discussions in the public health community. This study aimed to critically review the quality and limitations of the Mehra et al. publication and discuss the potential influences on the use of HCQ/CQ worldwide. Method A critical review of this publication was conducted to examine the potential study bias in the study objectives, methodology, confounding factors and outcomes and summarise the external reviews. Results The very high homogeneity of the patients' characteristics at baseline was inconsistent with region specific epidemiology and several critical confounding factors. The results indicated that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors were associated with a hazard ratio of 0.5, which suggested a technical problem in the estimation of the propensity scores. Several major risk factors for mortality identified in the analysis were treated as a minor risk or neutral or even protective factors. Antiviral treatments were recognised as an effective method to reduce mortality and were neither further studied nor integrated in the multivariate Cox model. Conclusion This research appeared to carry multiple biases. An extensive audit of the study, conditions of review and acceptance for publication in the Lancet of that study are requested to avoid damage to the publics' trust on the scientific community at this critical time of COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mondher Toumi
- Department of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | | | - Shuyao Liang
- Department of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Yitong Wang
- Department of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Tingting Qiu
- Department of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Ru Han
- Department of Public Health, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
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25
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Hoang T, Anh TTT. Treatment Options for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, and Coronavirus Disease 2019: a Review of Clinical Evidence. Infect Chemother 2020; 52:317-334. [PMID: 32869558 PMCID: PMC7533202 DOI: 10.3947/ic.2020.52.3.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses have caused serious Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks, and only remdesivir has been recently indicated for the treatment of COVID-19. In the line of therapeutic options for SARS and MERS, this study aims to summarize the current clinical evidence of treatment options for COVID-19. In general, the combination of antibiotics, ribavirin, and corticosteroids was considered as a standard treatment for patients with SARS. The addition of this conventional treatment with lopinavir/ritonavir, interferon, and convalescent plasma showed potential clinical improvement. For patients with MERS, ribavirin, lopinavir/ritonavir, interferon, and convalescent plasma were continuously recommended. However, a high-dose of corticosteroid was suggested for severe cases only. The use of lopinavir/ritonavir and convalescent plasma was commonly reported. There was limited evidence for the effect of corticosteroids, other antiviral drugs like ribavirin, and favipiravir. Monoclonal antibody of tocilizumab and antimalarial agents of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine were also introduced. Among antibiotics for infection therapy, azithromycin was suggested. In conclusion, this study showed the up-to-date evidence of treatment options for COVID-19 that is helpful for the therapy selection and the development of further guidelines and recommendations. Updates of on-going clinical trials and observational studies may confirm the current findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung Hoang
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Goyang, Korea
| | - Tho Tran Thi Anh
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nghe An Oncology Hospital, Nghe An, Vietnam.
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26
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Funck-Brentano C, Nguyen LS, Salem JE. Retraction and republication: cardiac toxicity of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19. Lancet 2020; 396:e2-e3. [PMID: 32653079 PMCID: PMC7347305 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(20)31528-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Funck-Brentano
- AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Investigation Centre, Paris 75013, France; INSERM, CIC-1901 and UMR-S 1166, Sorbonne Université, Faculty of Medicine, Paris, France.
| | - Lee S Nguyen
- AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Investigation Centre, Paris 75013, France; INSERM, CIC-1901 and UMR-S 1166, Sorbonne Université, Faculty of Medicine, Paris, France
| | - Joe-Elie Salem
- AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Investigation Centre, Paris 75013, France; INSERM, CIC-1901 and UMR-S 1166, Sorbonne Université, Faculty of Medicine, Paris, France
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27
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Li X, Wang Y, Agostinis P, Rabson A, Melino G, Carafoli E, Shi Y, Sun E. Is hydroxychloroquine beneficial for COVID-19 patients? Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:512. [PMID: 32641681 PMCID: PMC7341710 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2721-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in December 2019. As similar cases rapidly emerged around the world1-3, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020 and pronounced the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic on March 11, 20204. The virus has reached almost all countries of the globe. As of June 3, 2020, the accumulated confirmed cases reached 6,479,405 with more than 383,013 deaths worldwide. The urgent and emergency care of COVID-19 patients calls for effective drugs, in addition to the beneficial effects of remdesivir5, to control the disease and halt the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, No. 183, Zhongshan Avenue West, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Arnold Rabson
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Gerry Melino
- TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Ernesto Carafoli
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Rome, Italy
| | - Yufang Shi
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, 200031, Shanghai, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University Medical College, Suzhou, China.
| | - Erwei Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, No. 183, Zhongshan Avenue West, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (the First People's Hospital of Shunde, Foshan), 528000, Guangdong, China.
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28
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Nghochuzie NN, Olwal CO, Udoakang AJ, Amenga-Etego LNK, Amambua-Ngwa A. Pausing the Fight Against Malaria to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa: Is the Future of Malaria Bleak? Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1476. [PMID: 32625198 PMCID: PMC7314964 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a major global health burden, killing hundreds of thousands annually, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2019, a Phase IV Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)-linked malaria vaccine implementation was underway. However, in December 2019, a novel pneumonia condition termed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), with many clinical, epidemiological, and biological parallels to malaria, was reported in Wuhan, China. COVID-19 is spreading rapidly, and, as of the 3rd of June, 2020, more than 382,507 persons had died from COVID-19. Children under 5 years who suffer high malaria-attributable mortalities are largely asymptomatic for COVID-19. Considering that the malaria burden is highest in low-income tropical countries with little capacity to fund malaria control and eradication programs, the fight against malaria in these regions is likely to be hampered. Access to healthcare has generally been limited, while malaria interventions, such as seasonal malaria chemotherapy and distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets, have been suspended due to lockdowns. Likewise, the repurposing of antimalarials for treatment of COVID-19 shared symptoms and the shift in focus from the production of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to COVID-19 RDTs is a cause for concern in malaria-endemic regions. Children are less affected by the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the elderly. However, due to the fears of contracting SARS-CoV-2, the elderly who are worst affected by COVID-19 may not take children for malaria medication, resulting in high malaria-related mortalities among children. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected developed countries, threatening their donation capacity. These are likely to thwart malaria control efforts in low-income regions. Here, we present perspectives on the collateral impact of COVID-19 on malaria, especially in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Nganyewo Nghochuzie
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Charles Ochieng' Olwal
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Aniefiok John Udoakang
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lucas Naam-Kayagre Amenga-Etego
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Alfred Amambua-Ngwa
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, Banjul, The Gambia
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, United Kingdom
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29
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Antonio ADS, Wiedemann LSM, Veiga-Junior VF. Natural products' role against COVID-19. RSC Adv 2020; 10:23379-23393. [PMID: 35693131 PMCID: PMC9122563 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra03774e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a viral disease caused by a new severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), which has quickly resulted in a pandemic. As a great threat to global public health, the development of a treatment has become vital, and a rush to find a cure has mobilized researchers from all areas across the world. Synthetic drugs, such as hydroxychloroquine, have gained attention. However, the efficacy of repositioned drugs is still under evaluation, and besides, some severe side effects are a cause for concern. This emphasizes the urgency for treatment options, which can be both safe and effective. With this in mind, natural products could be an important resource in the development of COVID-19 treatment, as they have already contributed in the past to treatments against other viruses, such as HIV, MERS-CoV, and influenza. Natural products are described long term as bioactive substances and some phytochemical classes such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and peptides are known antiviral bioproducts, and have been virtually tested with success against COVID-19. However, important issues still need to be addressed as to their bioavailability and true efficacy in vivo. This review intends to systematically evaluate the natural metabolites that could potentially be used against this new disease looking at their natural sources, mechanism of action and previous pharmacological usages. The aim is to provide a starting point for this research area in order to speed up the establishment of anti-SARS-CoV-2 bioproducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananda da Silva Antonio
- Chemistry Department, Institute of Exact Sciences, Federal University of Amazonas Avenida Rodrigo Octávio, 6200, Coroado CEP: 69.077-000 Manaus AM Brazil
| | - Larissa Silveira Moreira Wiedemann
- Chemistry Department, Institute of Exact Sciences, Federal University of Amazonas Avenida Rodrigo Octávio, 6200, Coroado CEP: 69.077-000 Manaus AM Brazil
| | - Valdir Florêncio Veiga-Junior
- Chemistry Department, Institute of Exact Sciences, Federal University of Amazonas Avenida Rodrigo Octávio, 6200, Coroado CEP: 69.077-000 Manaus AM Brazil
- Chemical Engineering Section, Military Institute of Engineering Praça General Tibúrcio, 80, Praia Vermelha, Urca CEP: 22.290-270 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brazil
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30
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Infusino F, Marazzato M, Mancone M, Fedele F, Mastroianni CM, Severino P, Ceccarelli G, Santinelli L, Cavarretta E, Marullo AGM, Miraldi F, Carnevale R, Nocella C, Biondi-Zoccai G, Pagnini C, Schiavon S, Pugliese F, Frati G, d’Ettorre G. Diet Supplementation, Probiotics, and Nutraceuticals in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Scoping Review. Nutrients 2020; 12:E1718. [PMID: 32521760 PMCID: PMC7352781 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (Sars-CoV-2) global pandemic is a devastating event that is causing thousands of victims every day around the world. One of the main reasons of the great impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on society is its unexpected spread, which has not allowed an adequate preparation. The scientific community is fighting against time for the production of a vaccine, but it is difficult to place a safe and effective product on the market as fast as the virus is spreading. Similarly, for drugs that can directly interfere with viral pathways, their production times are long, despite the great efforts made. For these reasons, we analyzed the possible role of non-pharmacological substances such as supplements, probiotics, and nutraceuticals in reducing the risk of Sars-CoV-2 infection or mitigating the symptoms of COVID-19. These substances could have numerous advantages in the current circumstances, are generally easily available, and have negligible side effects if administered at the already used and tested dosages. Large scientific evidence supports the benefits that some bacterial and molecular products may exert on the immune response to respiratory viruses. These could also have a regulatory role in systemic inflammation or endothelial damage, which are two crucial aspects of COVID-19. However, there are no specific data available, and rigorous clinical trials should be conducted to confirm the putative benefits of diet supplementation, probiotics, and nutraceuticals in the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Infusino
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (M.M.); (F.F.); (P.S.); (F.M.); (C.N.)
| | - Massimiliano Marazzato
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (C.M.M.); (G.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Massimo Mancone
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (M.M.); (F.F.); (P.S.); (F.M.); (C.N.)
| | - Francesco Fedele
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (M.M.); (F.F.); (P.S.); (F.M.); (C.N.)
| | - Claudio Maria Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (C.M.M.); (G.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Paolo Severino
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (M.M.); (F.F.); (P.S.); (F.M.); (C.N.)
| | - Giancarlo Ceccarelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (C.M.M.); (G.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Letizia Santinelli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (C.M.M.); (G.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Elena Cavarretta
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (E.C.); (A.G.M.M.); (R.C.); (G.B.-Z.); (S.S.); (G.F.)
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonino G. M. Marullo
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (E.C.); (A.G.M.M.); (R.C.); (G.B.-Z.); (S.S.); (G.F.)
| | - Fabio Miraldi
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (M.M.); (F.F.); (P.S.); (F.M.); (C.N.)
| | - Roberto Carnevale
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (E.C.); (A.G.M.M.); (R.C.); (G.B.-Z.); (S.S.); (G.F.)
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Nocella
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (M.M.); (F.F.); (P.S.); (F.M.); (C.N.)
| | - Giuseppe Biondi-Zoccai
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (E.C.); (A.G.M.M.); (R.C.); (G.B.-Z.); (S.S.); (G.F.)
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Cristiano Pagnini
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Azienda Ospedaliera San Giovanni Addolorata, 00184 Rome, Italy;
| | - Sonia Schiavon
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (E.C.); (A.G.M.M.); (R.C.); (G.B.-Z.); (S.S.); (G.F.)
| | - Francesco Pugliese
- Department of General Surgery and Surgical Specialities “Paride Stefanini”, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giacomo Frati
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (E.C.); (A.G.M.M.); (R.C.); (G.B.-Z.); (S.S.); (G.F.)
- IRCCS NeuroMed, 86077 Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | - Gabriella d’Ettorre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (C.M.M.); (G.C.); (L.S.)
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31
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Bubela T, Gold ER, Goel V, Morgan M, Mossman K, Nickerson J, Patrick D, Edwards A. Open drug discovery of anti-virals critical for Canada’s pandemic strategy. Facets (Ott) 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2020-0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the event of the current COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for future pandemics, open science can support mission-oriented research and development, as well as commercialization. Open science shares skills and resources across sectors; avoids duplication and provides the basis for rapid and effective validation due to full transparency. It is a strategy that can adjust quickly to reflect changing incentives and priorities, because it does not rely on any one actor or sector. While eschewing patents, it can ensure high-quality drugs, low pricing, and access through existing regulatory mechanisms. Open science practices and partnerships decrease transaction costs, increase diversity of actors, reduce overall costs, open new, higher-risk/higher-impact approaches to research, and provide entrepreneurs freedom to operate and freedom to innovate. We argue that it is time to re-open science, not only in its now restricted arena of fundamental research, but throughout clinical translation. Our model and attendant recommendations map onto a strategy to accelerate discovery of novel broad-spectrum anti-viral drugs and clinical trials of those drugs, from first-in-human safety-focused trials to late stage trials for efficacy. The goal is to ensure low-cost and rapid access, globally, and to ensure that Canadians do not pay a premium for drugs developed from Canadian science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Bubela
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - E. Richard Gold
- Faculty of Law, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1W9, Canada
| | - Vivek Goel
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M6, Canada
| | - Max Morgan
- M4K Pharma, Inc., Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Karen Mossman
- Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Jason Nickerson
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6K5, Canada
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1N 5C8, Canada
| | - David Patrick
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Aled Edwards
- Molecular Genetics and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L5, Canada
- SGC, London, UK
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32
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Mohammadi Barzelighi H, Daraei B, Dastan F. Approaches for the Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Pharmacologic View and Literature Review. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2020; 19:258-281. [PMID: 33680028 PMCID: PMC7757982 DOI: 10.22037/ijpr.2020.113821.14506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of a novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) inducing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was identified in Hubei province of China in December 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide as pandemic and became a public health concern. COVID-19 disease is caused by a new virus known as SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2), which has recently offered many challenges and efforts to identify effective drugs for its prevention and treatment. Currently, there is no proven effective approach and medication against this virus. Quickly expanding clinical trials and studies on Coronavirus disease 2019 increase our knowledge regarding SARS-CoV-2 virus and introduce several potential drugs targeting virus moiety or host cell elements. Overall, 3 stages were suggested for SARS-CoV-2 infection according to the disease severity, clinical manifestations, and treatment outcomes, including mild, moderate, and severe. This review aimed to classify and summarize several medications and potential therapies according to the disease 3 stages; however, it is worth noting that no medication and therapy has been effective so far.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bahram Daraei
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Farzaneh Dastan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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33
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Khalili M, Chegeni M, Javadi S, Farokhnia M, Sharifi H, Karamouzian M. Therapeutic interventions for COVID-19: a living overview of reviews. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2020; 14:1753466620976021. [PMID: 33326318 PMCID: PMC7747112 DOI: 10.1177/1753466620976021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread worldwide, but safe and effective treatment options remain unavailable. Numerous systematic reviews of varying qualities have tried to summarize the evidence on the available therapeutic interventions for COVID-19. This overview of reviews aims to provide a succinct summary of the findings of systematic reviews on different pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions for COVID-19. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and WHO database of publications on COVID-19 from 1 December 2019 through to 11 June 2020 for peer-reviewed systematic review studies that reported on potential pharmacological or non-pharmacological therapies for COVID-19. Quality assessment was completed using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2) measure. RESULTS Out of 816 non-duplicate studies, 45 were included in the overview. Antiviral and antibiotic agents, corticosteroids, and anti-malarial agents were the most common drug classes used to treat COVID-19; however, there was no direct or strong evidence to support their efficacy. Oxygen therapy and ventilatory support was the most common non-pharmacological supportive care. The quality of most of the included reviews was rated as low or critically low. CONCLUSION This overview of reviews demonstrates that although some therapeutic interventions may be beneficial to specific subgroups of COVID-19 patients, the available data are insufficient to strongly recommend any particular treatment option to be used at a population level. Future systematic reviews on COVID-19 treatments should adhere to the recommended systematic review methodologies and ensure that promptness and comprehensiveness are balanced.The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malahat Khalili
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Chegeni
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sara Javadi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Farokhnia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical School, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamid Sharifi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karamouzian
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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