• COVID-19
• Publicationsclose
• figshare close

Trust in political actors and institutions has long been seen as essential for effective democratic governance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, trust was widely identified as key for mitigation of the crisis through its influence on compliance with public policy, vaccination and many other social attitudes and behaviours. We study whether trust did indeed predict these outcomes through a meta-analysis of 67 studies and 426 individual effect sizes derived from nearly 1.5 million observations worldwide. Political trust as an explanatory variable has small to moderate correlations with outcomes such as vaccine uptake, belief in conspiracy theories, and compliance. These correlations are heterogenous, and we show that trust in health authorities is more strongly related to vaccination than trust in the government; but compliance is more strongly related to the government than other institutions. Moreover, the unique case of the United States indicates that trust in President Trump had negative effects across all observed outcomes, except in increasing conspiracy beliefs. Our analysis also shows that research design features (such as response scales) and publication bias do not importantly change the results. These results indicate that trust was important for the management of the pandemic and supports existing work highlighting the importance of political trust.

The Covid-19 pandemic triggered polarisation across Europe. While most citizens supported governments’ containment measures, others took to the streets and voiced their dissatisfaction. The article focuses on the mobilisation potential related to this heterogenous protest wave. It examines individuals that show sympathy and are willing to engage in anti-containment demonstrations based on 16 waves of a rolling cross-section survey fielded in Germany in 2020/2021. The results show a considerable and stable mobilisation potential: every fifth respondent sympathises with the protesters, and around 60% of those are ready to participate themselves. Political distrust, far-right orientations and an emerging ‘freedom divide’ structure the potential, as do Covid-19-related economic and health threats. Moreover, the findings indicate a radicalisation process and show how ideology and threat perceptions drive the step from sympathy to willingness to participate, suggesting that ideological polarisation may quickly spill over to the streets given an appropriate supply of protest opportunities.

Nowadays, different vaccines and antiviral drugs have been developed and their effectiveness has been proven against SARS-CoV-2. Pyrazoline derivatives are biologically active molecules and exhibit broad-spectrum biological activity properties. In this scope, four new molecules (4a–d) including a pyrazoline core were synthesized in order to predict their antiviral properties theoretically. Compounds 4a–d were purified by the crystallization method. The structures of 4a–d were completely characterized by NMR, IR, and elemental analysis. The molecular structures of the compounds in the ground state have been optimized using density functional theory with the B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) level. The quantum chemical parameters were predicted by density functional theory calculations. Moreover, the molecular docking studies of 4a–d with SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (Wuhan) and omicron S protein (variant) were presented to investigate and predict potential interactions. The binding sites, binding types and energies, bond distances of the non-covalent interactions and calculated inhibition constants (calc. Ki) as a consequence of molecular docking for 4a–d were presented in this study. Furthermore, the stability of the protein-4a complex obtained from the docking was investigated through molecular dynamics simulation. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) has been identified as a critical key for the entry of coronaviruses into human cells by cleaving and activating the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. To block the TMPRSS2 function, 18 approved drugs, containing the guanidine group were tested against TMPRSS2’s ectodomain (7MEQ). Among these drugs, Famotidine, Argatroban, Guanadrel and Guanethidine strongly binds with TMPRSS2 S1 pocket with estimated Fullfitness energies of −1847.12, −1630.87, −1605.81 and −1600.52 kcal/mol, respectively. A significant number of non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions were detected in protein-ligand complexes. In addition, the ADMET analysis revealed a perfect concurrence with the aptitude of these drugs to be developed as an anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics. Further, MD simulation and binding free energy calculations were performed to evaluate the dynamic behavior and stability of protein-ligand complexes. The results obtained herein highlight the enhanced stability and good binding affinities of the Argatroban and Famotidine towards the target protein, hence might act as new scaffolds for TMPRSS2 inhibition. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Digital transformation (DT) is typically described as a strategic, top-down initiative where new digital technologies fundamentally disrupt an organisation’s structure, procedures, and processes to enhance its value proposition. We propose a middle-range theory which highlights that DT of professional practices in healthcare follows a different path. To build this theory, we transpose the metaphor of a “fitness landscape” from evolutionary biology to a professional healthcare context to build an intermediate conceptualisation, which is then refined through an empirical study. Our theory highlights that external events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, changing patient behaviours or the availability of new digital resources, transform the “value landscape” upon which healthcare professionals create and deliver healthcare services to patients. Empowered by their professional autonomy and driven by their service orientation, healthcare professionals search for new paths and peaks for value creation and delivery across a rugged landscape. As digital resources are leveraged, new value propositions in practice emerge, and professional healthcare practices are digitally transformed.

Computational studies can comprise an effective approach to treating and preventing viral infections. Since 2019, the world has been dealing with the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The most important achievement in this short period of time in the effort to reduce morbidity and mortality was the production of vaccines and effective antiviral drugs. Although the virus has been significantly suppressed, it continues to evolve, spread, and evade the host’s immune system. Recently, researchers have turned to immunoinformatics tools to reduce side effects and save the time and cost of traditional vaccine production methods. In the present study, an attempt has been made to design a multi-epitope vaccine with humoral and cellular immune response stimulation against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 by investigating new mutations in spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins. The population coverage of the vaccine was evaluated as appropriate compared to other studies. The results of molecular dynamics simulation and molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) calculations predict the stability and proper interaction of the vaccine with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) as an innate immune receptor. The results of the immune simulation show a significant increase in the coordinated response of IgM and IgG after the third injection of the vaccine. Also, in the continuation of the research, spike proteins from BA.4 and BA.5 lineages were screened by immunoinformatics filters and effective epitopes were suggested for vaccine design. Despite the high precision of computational studies, in-vivo and in-vitro research is needed for final confirmation. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

To provide an overview on global uveitis research in the last decade in terms of countries/regions, organizations, scholars, journals, trending topics, and fundings. This cross-sectional bibliometric analysis yielded 10656 uveitis publications in English for subsequent bibliometric analysis. In terms of the number of publications, the leading country/region was the USA (3007). The most productive organization was the University College London (420). The most productive research team was Professor Yang’s group (146). A higher h-index was noted in University College London (48). Professor Rosenbaum was the first h-index holder (32). Keywords of interest included topics such as biologics, COVID and OCT. Publications by Ocular Immunology and Inflammation (968) ranked the first position. The USA is the leading force in uveitis study. Asian countries/regions, such as China (mainland) and India, are exerting a substantial role worldwide. Trendy topics cover COVID-19, OCTA.

Phytochemical-based drug discovery against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been the focus of the current scenario. In this context, we aimed to perform the phytochemical profiling of Magnolia champaka, an evergreen tree from the Magnoliaceae family, in order to perform a virtual screening of its phytoconstituents against different biological targets of SARS-CoV-2. The phytochemicals identified from the ethanol extract of M. champaka leaves using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) technique were screened against SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (PDB ID: 6M0J), main protease/Mpro (PDB ID: 6LU7), and papain-like protease/PLpro (PDB ID: 7CMD) through computational tools. The experimentation design included molecular docking simulation, molecular dynamics simulation, and binding free energy calculations. Through molecular docking simulation, we identified poncirin as a common potential inhibitor of all the above-mentioned target proteins. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations, binding free energy calculations, and PCA analysis also supported the outcomes of the virtual screening. By the virtue of all the in silico results obtained, poncirin could be taken for in vitro and in vivo studies in near future. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Invasive fungal infections acquired in the intensive care unit (AFI) are life-threating complications of critical illness. However, there is no consensus on antifungal prophylaxis in this setting. Multiple site decontamination is a well-studied prophylaxis against bacterial and fungal infections. Data on the effect of decontamination regimens on AFI are lacking. We hypothesised that multiple site decontamination could decrease the rate of AFI in mechanically ventilated patients. We conducted a pre/post observational study in 2 ICUs, on adult patients who required mechanical ventilation for >24 h. During the study period, multiple-site decontamination was added to standard of care. It consists of amphotericin B four times daily in the oropharynx and the gastric tube along with topical antibiotics, chlorhexidine body wash and nasal mupirocin. In 870 patients, there were 27 AFI in 26 patients. Aspergillosis accounted for 20/143 of ventilator-associated pneumonia and candidemia for 7/75 of ICU-acquired bloodstream infections. There were 3/308 (1%) patients with AFI in the decontamination group and 23/562 (4%) in the standard-care group (p = 0.011). In a propensity-score matched analysis, there were 3/308 (1%) and 16/308 (5%) AFI in the decontamination group and the standard-care group respectively (p = 0.004) (3/308 vs 11/308 ventilator-associated pulmonary aspergillosis, respectively [p = 0.055] and 0/308 vs 6/308 candidemia, respectively [p = 0.037]). Acquired fungal infection is a rare event, but accounts for a large proportion of ICU-acquired infections. Our study showed a preventive effect of decontamination against acquired fungal infection, especially candidemia.Take home messageAcquired fungal infection (AFI) incidence is close to 4% in mechanically ventilated patients without antifungal prophylaxis (3% for pulmonary aspergillosis and 1% for candidemia).Aspergillosis accounts for 14% of ventilator-associated pneumonia and candidemia for 9% of acquired bloodstream infections.Immunocompromised patients, those infected with SARS-COV 2 or influenza virus, males and patients admitted during the fall season are at higher risk of AFI.Mechanically ventilated patients receiving multiple site decontamination (MSD) have a lower risk of AFI. Acquired fungal infection (AFI) incidence is close to 4% in mechanically ventilated patients without antifungal prophylaxis (3% for pulmonary aspergillosis and 1% for candidemia). Aspergillosis accounts for 14% of ventilator-associated pneumonia and candidemia for 9% of acquired bloodstream infections. Immunocompromised patients, those infected with SARS-COV 2 or influenza virus, males and patients admitted during the fall season are at higher risk of AFI. Mechanically ventilated patients receiving multiple site decontamination (MSD) have a lower risk of AFI.

SARS-CoV-2 has mutated many times among different populations. We analyzed wild-type spike protein and 18 different variants of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein known until the beginning of 2022 (alpha, beta, B.1.429, B.1.616, B.1.620, B.1.617.3, C.1.2, delta, epsilon, eta, gamma, iota, kappa, lambda, mu, omicron, theta, and zeta) for their interaction with 16 phytocompounds and remdesivir, resulting into 425 combinations. The largest number of mutations has been reported in the omicron followed by delta variant. However, the virulence of the delta variant has been reported higher as compared to omicron. Mutations at a few locations (D215G, K417N, E484K, N501Y, D614G, and P681H) were common in most of the variants. 3 D structures of all the 18 spike proteins were created using SWISS-MODEL to test the binding affinities with caffeine theophylline, emodin, vitexin, berberine, curcumin, piperine, quercetin, artemisinin, carvacrol, capsaicin, tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, α- pinene, β- pinene and gingerol. Phytocompounds and mutant variants were prepared using AutoDock 4.2.6 software. Binding affinities of the selected phytocompounds with the different mutant spike proteins were achieved using AutoDock Vina. Out of all combinations investigated, the best binding affinities were observed with 3 variants of SAR-CoV-2 with 5 phytocompounds along with remdesivir. The range of best binding energies varied from −9.1 to −8.0 kcal/mol. Further, MD simulation was done for selected 9 phytocompound-spike mutant complexes for analyzing the stability of interactions for 100 ns. ADMET studies via ProTox-II and SwissADME displayed that phytocompounds are safe and less toxic in comparison to remdesivir. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma