Structural and Computational Studies of Cobalt(II) and Copper(II) Complexes with Aromatic Heterocyclic Ligand

Two coordination complexes, a cobalt(II) complex tris(1,10-phenanthroline)-cobalt perchlorate hydrate, [Co(phen)3]·(ClO4)2·H2O(1), and a copper(II) complex tris(1,10-phenanthroline)-copper perchlorate 4-bromo-2-{[(naphthalene-1-yl)imino]methyl}phenol hydrate, [Cu(phen)3]·(ClO4)2·HL·[O] (2), [where, phen = 1,10-phenathroline as aromatic heterocyclic ligand, HL = 4-bromo-2-((Z)-(naphthalene-4-ylimino) methyl) phenol] have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Single crystal X-ray analysis of both complexes has revealed the presence of a distorted octahedral geometry around cobalt(II) and copper(II) ions. density functional theory (DFT)-based quantum chemical calculations were performed on the cationic complex [Co(phen)3]2+ and copper(II) complex [Cu(phen)3]2+ to get the structure property relationship. Hirshfeld surface and 2-D fingerprint plots have been explored in the crystal structure of both the metal complexes. To find potential SARS-CoV-2 drug candidates, both the complexes were subjected to molecular docking calculations with SARS-CoV-2 virus (PDB ID: 7BQY and 7C2Q). We have found stable docked structures where docked metal chelates could readily bound to the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. The molecular docking calculations of the complex (1) into the 7C2Q-main protease of SARS-CoV-2 virus revealed the binding energy of −9.4 kcal/mol with a good inhibition constant of 1.834 µM, while complex (2) exhibited the binding energy of −9.0 kcal/mol, and the inhibition constant of 1.365 µM at the inhibition binding site of receptor protein. Overall, our in silico studies explored the potential role of cobalt(II) complex (1), and copper(II) complex (2) complex as the viable and alternative therapeutic solution for SARS-CoV-2.

New Schiff base copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes for biomedical applications with reference to SARS-CoV-2 and HIV virus

A series of nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes viz. [Ni(L1)2](1), [Cu(L1)2](2), [Ni(L2)2](3) and [Cu(L2)2](4) (where L1H=(E)-N-phenyl-2-(thiophen-2-ylmethylene)hydrazine-1-carboxamide, L2H=(E)-2-((3-methylthiophen-2-yl) methylene)N-phenylhydrazine-1-carbothioamide), have been synthesized and designed as potential inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 virus. The quantum computational calculations are used for structure-property relationship. A detailed structural and non-covalent supramolecular interaction in the ligand (L1H) is investigated by single crystal structure analysis and computational approaches. Hirshfeld surface analysis is done in the crystal structure of the ligand (L1H), while 3D topology of the crystal packing is visualized through an energy framework. To find potential inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 virus, molecular docking of the ligands and their corresponding metal complexes with SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 virus is performed. The X-ray crystallographic structure of the main protease of the SARS-CoV-2 (PDB ID: 7VNB) and HIV-1 virus (PDB ID: 1REV) is retrieved from the protein data bank and used as receptor proteins. The molecular docking results has shown that Schiff bases and their complexes with SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 virus exhibited good binding affinity at binding site of receptor protein. It is also observed that the binding affinities of the Schiff bases and metal complexes towards SARS-CoV-2 are comparatively higher than the HIV virus. This study may offer the new antivirus drug candidates against SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 virus. © 2022 Indian Journal of Chemistry (IJC). All right reserved.

New Ni(II) and Cu(II) Schiff base coordination complexes derived from 5-Bromo-salicylaldehyde and 3-picoyl amine/ethylenediamine: Synthesis, structure, Hirshfeld surface and molecular docking study with SARS-CoV-2 7EFP-main protease

Two co-ordination compounds, one nickel(II) complex [Ni(L1)(Phen)2]ClO4 (1) and one copper(II) complex [Cu(L2)] (2), were synthesized using Schiff base ligands derived from the condensation reaction of 5-Bromo-salicylaldehyde with 3-picoyl amine (L1H)(L1H = (E)-4-Bromo-2-(((pyridin-3-ylmethylene)amino) methyl) phenol) and ethylenediamine (L2H2), respectively(L2H2 = 2,2′-((1E,1′E)-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(azaneylylidene))bis(methanelylidene))bis (4-bromophenol)). The newly synthesized complexes were fully characterized, including X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure of both the complexes was determined using Single Crystal structure analysis. The electrochemical properties of (1) were studied using cyclic voltammetry. DFT calculations were done for the newly synthesized co-ordination complexes to have a relevant and reasonably accurate calculation of their molecular and electronic behavior. The Hirshfeld surface (HS) analysis was also performed using the crystallographic data for investigating the nature and quantitative contribution of all possible non-covalent intermolecular interactions within the crystal lattice. To explore potential SARS-CoV-2 drug candidates, both the co-ordination compounds were subjected to molecular docking calculations with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (PDB ID: 7EFP). The molecular docking calculations of Ni(II) complex (1) into the 7EFP-main protease of SARS-CoV-2 virus revealed the binding energy of −11.5 kcal/mol, while Cu(II) complex (2) exhibited the binding energy of −8.5 kcal/mol at the inhibition binding site of the receptor protein.

Sustainable development goal 13 and switching priorities: addressing climate change in the context of pandemic recovery efforts.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had many deep social and economic impacts that go beyond health issues. One consequence is that the pandemic has made it even harder to mobilize the financial resources needed to pursue SDG 13 (Climate Action) as a whole and to fund climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in particular. This is especially acute in respect of the efforts to achieve the targets set by the Paris Agreement and by the recent decisions in Glasgow. This paper looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated poverty and undermined climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, as a result of the switches in priorities and funding. Using a review of the recent literature, an analysis of international trends, and a survey among climate scientists, it identifies some of the impacts of the pandemic on climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts and discusses their implications. The findings indicate a decrease in funding to climate change research since the pandemic crisis. The bibliometric analysis reveals that a greater emphasis has been placed on the relationship between COVID-19 and poverty when compared to the interrelations between COVID-19 and climate change. Addressing climate change is as urgent now as it was before the pandemic crisis started, and efforts need to be made to upkeep the levels of funding needed to support research in this field.

Innovation in the Covid-19 Pandemic Using the Inquiry-Based Learning Approach to Improve Active Learning, Confidence, and Critical Thinking of Nursing Students

The use of social media has grown significantly in the last few years. Social media refers to "the websites and online tools that facilitate interactions between users by providing them opportunities to share information, opinions, and interest " (Swar and Hameed, 2017, p. 141). Adolescents have been found to be more vulnerable to addiction and crimes related to social media. Hence, the study has tried to understand the association of social media with the well being of adolescents. The first part of the paper deals with the role and relevance of social media.Further, the literature review depicts a strong connection between social media and individuals' well-being. For the quantitative analysis, various statistical techniques are used. In order to evaluate the association between variables, the composite index has been prepared. Further, the ranking has been given to reflect social media's impact on adolescents' well-being. Lastly, a few recommendations have been made for the state government regarding the well being of the adolescents.

Children Psychological Morbidity due to COVID-19: A Case Study

The COVID-19 pandemic has been reported to be associated with numerous major mental health issues globally;the most common is stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, insomnia, denial, anger, and fear. This case study presents here is that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the significant loss of their family member followed by mental health symptoms experienced by children. This case study highlights the need to develop preventive strategies for vulnerable groups and try to understand the etiopathogenesis of illnesses so developing, in order to identify support systems and management strategies during the pandemic related crisis.

A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo Controlled Trial of Clazakizumab for the Treatment of COVID-19 Pneumonia With Hyperinflammation.

OBJECTIVES: We designed this study to test whether clazakizumab, a direct interleukin-6 inhibitor, benefits patients hospitalized with severe or critical COVID-19 disease accompanied by hyperinflammation. DESIGN: Multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, seamless phase II/III trial. SETTING: Five U.S. medical centers. PATIENTS: Adults inpatients with severe COVID-19 disease and hyperinflammation. INTERVENTIONS: Eighty-one patients enrolled in phase II, randomized 1:1:1 to low-dose (12.5 mg) or high-dose (25 mg) clazakizumab or placebo. Ninety-seven patients enrolled in phase III, randomized 1:1 to high-dose clazakizumab or placebo. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was 28-day ventilator-free survival. Secondary outcomes included overall survival, frequency and duration of intubation, and frequency and duration of ICU admission. Per Data Safety and Monitoring Board recommendations, additional secondary outcomes describing clinical status and status changes, as measured by an ordinal scale, were added. Bayesian cumulative proportional odds, logistic, and Poisson regression models were used. The low-dose arm was dropped when the phase II study suggested superiority of the high-dose arm. We report on 152 patients, 74 randomized to placebo and 78 to high-dose clazakizumab. Patients receiving clazakizumab had greater odds of 28-day ventilator-free survival (odds ratio [OR] = 3.84; p [OR > 1] 99.9%), as well as overall survival at 28 and 60 days (OR = 1.75; p [OR > 1] 86.5% and OR = 2.53; p [OR > 1] 97.7%). Clazakizumab was associated with lower odds of intubation (OR = 0.2; p [OR] < 1; 99.9%) and ICU admission (OR = 0.26; p [OR < 1] 99.6%); shorter durations of ventilation and ICU stay (risk ratio [RR] < 0.75; p [RR < 1] > 99% for both); and greater odds of improved clinical status at 14, 28, and 60 days (OR = 2.32, p [OR > 1] 98.1%; OR = 3.36, p [OR > 1] 99.6%; and OR = 3.52, p [OR > 1] 99.8%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Clazakizumab significantly improved 28-day ventilator-free survival, 28- and 60-day overall survival, as well as clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and hyperinflammation.

"New normal"- corona era

This document summarizes the measures implemented and adopted in the "new normal", which has been experienced globally after the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures taken by the Indian government such as quarantine, isolation, lockdown, physical distancing and use of mobile application, to control the spread of the disease, are briefy discussed.

Sustainable Development Goal 13 and Switching Priorities: Addressing Climate Change in the Context of Pandemic Recovery Efforts (preprint)

The COVID-19 pandemic has had many deep social and economic impacts that go beyond health issues. One consequence is that the pandemic has made it even harder to mobilize the financial resources needed to pursue SDG 13 (Climate Action) as a whole and to fund climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in particular. This is especially acute in respect of the efforts to achieve the targets set by the Paris Agreement and by the recent decisions in Glasgow. This paper looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated poverty and undermined climate change adaptation efforts, as a result of the switches in priorities and funding. Using a review of the recent literature, an analysis of international trends, and a survey among climate scientists, it identifies some of the impacts of the pandemic on climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts and discusses their implications. The findings indicate a decrease in funding to climate change research since the pandemic crisis. The bibliometric analysis reveals that a greater emphasis has been placed on the relationship between COVID-19 and poverty when compared to the interrelations between COVID-19 and climate change. Addressing climate change is as urgent now as it was since the pandemic crisis started, and efforts need to be made to upkeep the levels of funding needed to support research in this field.

Use of Artificial Intelligence to Triage Patients with Flu-Like Symptoms Using Imaging in Non-COVID-19 Hospitals during COVID-19 Pandemic: An Ongoing 8-Month Experience.

Background Evaluation of suspected coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patient is a diagnostic dilemma as it commonly presents like influenza in early stages. Studies and guidelines have emerged both for and against the use of imaging as a frontline tool to investigate such patients. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is suggested as the backbone of diagnosis. We designed and tested a diagnostic algorithm using artificial intelligence (AI) to determine the role of imaging in the evaluation of patients with acute flu-like presentation. Materials and Methods Overall, 3,235 consecutive patients with flu-like presentation were evaluated over a period of 240 days. All patients underwent plain radiographs of chest with computer-aided detection for COVID-19 (CAD4COVID) AI analysis. Based on the threshold scores, they were divided into two groups: group A (score < 50) and group B (score > 50). Group A patients were discharged and put on routine symptomatic treatment and follow-up with RT-PCR, while group B patients underwent high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) followed by COVID-19 AI analysis and RT-PCR test. These were then triaged into COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 subgroups based on COVID-19 similarity scores by AI, and lung severity scores were also determined. Results Group A had 2,209 (68.3%) patients with CAD4COVID score of <50 while 1,026 (31.7%) patients comprised group B. Also, 825 (25.5%) patients were COVID-19 positive with COVID-19 similarity threshold of >0.85 on AI. RT-PCR was positive in 415 and false-negative in 115 patients while 12 patients died before the test could be done. The sensitivity and specificity of CAD4COVID AI analysis on plain radiographs for detection of any lung abnormality combined with HRCT AI analysis was 97.9% and 99% using the above algorithm. Conclusion Combined use of chest radiographs and plain HRCT with AI-based analysis is useful and an accurate frontline tool to triage patients with acute flu-like symptoms in non-COVID-19 health care facilities.

Conspiratorial Thinking During COVID-19: The Roles of Paranoia, Delusion-Proneness, and Intolerance of Uncertainty.

The COVID-19 global pandemic has left many feeling a sense of profound uncertainty about their world, safety, and livelihood. Sources espousing misinformation and conspiracy theories frequently offer information that can help make sense of this uncertainty. Individuals high in intolerance of uncertainty (IU) may be particularly impacted by the impoverished epistemic environment and may thus be more drawn to conspiratorial thinking (CT). In the present work, we show across 2 studies (N = 519) that COVID-19-specific CT is associated with higher levels of IU as well as delusion-proneness, and paranoia. Furthermore, delusion-proneness and paranoia explained the relationship between IU and CT and emerged as independent partial correlates of CT even when controlling for other facets of schizotypy. In contrast, anxiety did not explain the relationship between IU and CT. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of individual differences in IU, delusion-proneness and paranoia in the development of CT in the context of the acute uncertainty of a global crisis, in which conspiracy theories are more prevalent and salient. Informational intervention designs may benefit from leveraging the body of work demonstrating the efficacy of targeting IU to incite meaningful changes in thinking.

Biomolecules of mushroom: a recipe of human wellness.

The Indian system of medicine - Ayurveda says "When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no use". In this context, mushroom constitutes one of the major resources for nutraceuticals. Biomolecules of mushrooms have attracted the attention of researchers around the globe due to their proven healthy attributes. They have a plenitude of health-giving properties and these range from immunomodulatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anticancer, anti-HIV, antidiabetic, anticholesterolic to antiarthritic activities.Mushrooms contain both primary and secondary metabolites. The primary metabolites provide energy while the secondary metabolite exhibits medicinal properties. Hence, the mushroom can be a recipe for human wellness and will play a significant role in fighting COVID-19 pandemics and other infectious diseases.The key findings suggested in this paper refer to the exploration of health and the healing traits of biomolecules of mushrooms. This article reviews the current status of the medicinal attributes of mushrooms and their biomolecules in different diseases such as cardiovascular, diabetes, reproductive diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. The global malnutrition-related morbidity and mortality among children under five and lactating women presents a frightening picture and also a black spot on the human face. Malnutrition is responsible for more ill-health than any other cause. Mushrooms as a rich source of bioactive compounds can be claimed as "Best from the Waste" since they grow on the most abundant organic wastes of the Earth, the lignocellulosic substrate, and 'Best of the Rest' because they are excellent nutraceutical resources.

Establishing the practice of birth companion in labour ward of a tertiary care centre in India-a quality improvement initiative.

BACKGROUND: Birth companion is a key component for providing respectful maternity care and has been recommended by WHO and Government of India. It is a low-cost beneficial intervention that is vital in improving quality of care during labour and delivery. LOCAL PROBLEM: Despite the available evidence on benefits of birth companion, there was no policy on allowing birth companion at our hospital in the past. METHODS AND INTERVENTIONS: We aimed to establish the practice of allowing birth companions in all eligible women in labour ward from existing 0% to 50% in 6 weeks' duration. This study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. A quality improvement (QI) team was formed, and after obtaining the baseline data, problems were analysed using fish bone chart. A new policy of allowing birth companion was made and efforts made to sensitise and train the doctors and nurses posted in labour ward. Changed ideas were executed in multiple plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles. Simple interventions such as dress code for birth companions, curtains for ensuring privacy, display of posters and frequent reminders on WhatsApp groups were planned . RESULTS: The median value of women accompanied by birth companion marginally increased to 25% after the first PDSA cycle. Implementation of further changed ideas led to increase in median, which reached 66.6%. Thereafter, there was a decline, but by the end of 6 months, it was possible to attain the goal and sustain it. CONCLUSIONS: Simple steps of QI methodology can be used to address the prevalent problems in our healthcare. Implementation of any new practice comes with major challenges, but we could achieve our goal because of a motivated team working together on multiple changed ideas applied sequentially in PDSA cycles.

ROS/RNS Balancing, Aerobic Fermentation Regulation and Cell Cycle Control - a Complex Early Trait ('CoV-MAC-TED') for Combating SARS-CoV-2-Induced Cell Reprogramming.

In a perspective entitled 'From plant survival under severe stress to anti-viral human defense' we raised and justified the hypothesis that transcript level profiles of justified target genes established from in vitro somatic embryogenesis (SE) induction in plants as a reference compared to virus-induced profiles can identify differential virus signatures that link to harmful reprogramming. A standard profile of selected genes named 'ReprogVirus' was proposed for in vitro-scanning of early virus-induced reprogramming in critical primary infected cells/tissues as target trait. For data collection, the 'ReprogVirus platform' was initiated. This initiative aims to identify in a common effort across scientific boundaries critical virus footprints from diverse virus origins and variants as a basis for anti-viral strategy design. This approach is open for validation and extension. In the present study, we initiated validation by experimental transcriptome data available in public domain combined with advancing plant wet lab research. We compared plant-adapted transcriptomes according to 'RegroVirus' complemented by alternative oxidase (AOX) genes during de novo programming under SE-inducing conditions with in vitro corona virus-induced transcriptome profiles. This approach enabled identifying a major complex trait for early de novo programming during SARS-CoV-2 infection, called 'CoV-MAC-TED'. It consists of unbalanced ROS/RNS levels, which are connected to increased aerobic fermentation that links to alpha-tubulin-based cell restructuration and progression of cell cycle. We conclude that anti-viral/anti-SARS-CoV-2 strategies need to rigorously target 'CoV-MAC-TED' in primary infected nose and mouth cells through prophylactic and very early therapeutic strategies. We also discuss potential strategies in the view of the beneficial role of AOX for resilient behavior in plants. Furthermore, following the general observation that ROS/RNS equilibration/redox homeostasis is of utmost importance at the very beginning of viral infection, we highlight that 'de-stressing' disease and social handling should be seen as essential part of anti-viral/anti-SARS-CoV-2 strategies.

The eyes see what the mind seeks: a systematic review of abdominal imaging findings in patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: With the increasing recognition of gastrointestinal (GI) manifestation of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), various abdominal imaging findings are increasingly being noted. We scoped the existing literature on the abdominal imaging findings in COVID-19. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Google scholar and World Health Organization COVID-19 database. RESULTS: 35 studies were included in the final descriptive synthesis. Among the studies reporting positive abdominal imaging findings in patients with COVID-19, majority described imaging abnormalities of the GI tract (16 studies), of which bowel wall thickening was most frequently reported. Other findings noted were abdominal imaging manifestations of bowel ischemia with thrombosis of the splanchnic vasculature, and imaging features suggestive of pancreatitis. Imaging findings suggestive of solid organ infarction were reported in nine studies. An association between imaging evidence of hepatic steatosis and COVID-19 was noted in three studies. Incidental lung base findings on abdominal imaging were noted in 18 studies, where patients presented with predominant GI symptoms. The most common finding was bilateral ground glass opacities (90.7%) with predominant multilobar (91.1%) and peripheral (64.4%) distribution. CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides insight into the abdominal imaging findings in patients with COVID-19. Knowledge of these imaging manifestations will not only help in further research but also will aid in curtailing transmission of the SARS-CoV-2. Further prospective studies are needed to gain better insight into the pathophysiology of these imaging manifestations. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This review highlights the abdominal imaging findings in patients with COVID-19, to gain insight into the disease pathophysiology and gear the abdominal radiologist through the pandemic.

Patient experiences and perceptions of chronic disease care during the COVID-19 pandemic in India: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: People with chronic conditions are known to be vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to describe patients' lived experiences, challenges faced by people with chronic conditions, their coping strategies, and the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a qualitative study using a syndemic framework to understand the patients' experiences of chronic disease care, challenges faced during the lockdown, their coping strategies and mitigators during the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of socioecological and biological factors. A diverse sample of 41 participants with chronic conditions (hypertension, diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular diseases) from four sites (Delhi, Haryana, Vizag and Chennai) in India participated in semistructured interviews. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, translated, anonymised and coded using MAXQDA software. We used the framework method to qualitatively analyse the COVID-19 pandemic impacts on health, social and economic well-being. RESULTS: Participant experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic were categorised into four themes: challenges faced during the lockdown, experiences of the participants diagnosed with COVID-19, preventive measures taken and lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic. A subgroup of participants faced difficulties in accessing healthcare while a few reported using teleconsultations. Most participants reported adverse economic impact of the pandemic which led to higher reporting of anxiety and stress. Participants who tested COVID-19 positive reported experiencing discrimination and stigma from neighbours. All participants reported taking essential preventive measures. CONCLUSION: People with chronic conditions experienced a confluence (reciprocal effect) of COVID-19 pandemic and chronic diseases in the context of difficulty in accessing healthcare, sedentary lifestyle and increased stress and anxiety. Patients' lived experiences during the pandemic provide important insights to inform effective transition to a mixed realm of online consultations and 'distanced' physical clinic visits.

The COVID-19 pandemic and single-use plastic waste in households: A preliminary study.

The Coronavirus pandemic promoted an unprecedented change in consumption habits, especially as lockdowns contributed to the increase in online shopping and in delivery services. One of the consequences is the substantial amounts of plastic waste produced, which can undermine the efforts to reduce plastic pollution. In this context, this commentary explores, as a preliminary study, the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic in relation to single-use plastic waste in households by means of an international survey with 202 participants distributed over 41 countries worldwide.

The impacts of the early outset of the COVID-19 pandemic on climate change research: Implications for policy-making.

Since January 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has dominated the media and exercises pressure on governments worldwide. Apart from its effects on economies, education systems and societies, the pandemic has also influenced climate change research. This paper examines the extent to which COVID-19 has influenced climate change research worldwide during the first wave at the beginning of 2020 and how it is perceived to exploit it in the future. This study utilised an international survey involving those dedicated to climate change science and management research from Academia, Government, NGOs, and international agencies in 83 countries. The analysis of responses encompasses four independent variables: Institutions, Regions, Scientific Areas, and the level of economic development represented by the Human Development Index (HDI). Results show that: (1) COVID-19 modified the way the surveyed researchers work, (2) there are indicators that COVID-19 has already influenced the direction of climate change and adaptation policy implementation, and (3) respondents perceived (explicitly concerning the COVID-19 lockdowns of March-April 2020), that the pandemic has drawn attention away from climate policy. COVID- 19 has influenced the agenda of climate change research for more than half of the respondents and is likely to continue in the future, suggesting that the impacts on their research will still be felt for many years. The paper concludes by outlining critical implications for policy-making.