Exploration of the link between COVID-19 and gastric cancer from the perspective of bioinformatics and systems biology (preprint)

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused a global pandemic. Gastric cancer (GC) poses a great threat to people's health, which is a high-risk factor for COVID-19. Previous studies have found some associations between GC and COVID-19, whereas the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Methods: We used a bioinformatics and systems biology approach to investigate the relationship between GC and COVID-19. The gene expression profiles of COVID-19 (GSE196822) and GC (GSE179252) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. After identifying the shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for GC and COVID-19, functional annotation, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, hub genes, transcriptional regulatory networks and candidate drugs were analyzed. Results: A total of 209 shared DEGs were identified to explore the linkages between COVID-19 and GC. Functional analyses showed that Immune-related pathway collectively participated in the development and progression of COVID-19 and GC. In addition, there are selected 10 hub genes including CDK1, KIF20A, TPX2, UBE2C, HJURP, CENPA, PLK1, MKI67, IFI6, and IFIT2. The transcription factor/gene and miRNA/gene interaction networks identified 38 transcription factors (TFs) and 234 miRNAs. More importantly, we identified ten potential therapeutic agents, including ciclopirox, resveratrol, etoposide, methotrexate, trifluridine, enterolactone, troglitazone, calcitriol, dasatinib and deferoxamine, some of which have been reported to improve and treat GC and COVID-19. This study also provides insight into the diseases most associated with mutual DEGs, which may provide new ideas for research on the treatment of COVID-19. Conclusions: This research has the possibility to be contributed to effective therapeutic in COVID-19 and GC.

Topological Study of Some Covid-19 Drugs by Using Temperature Indices

Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified in December (2019) as the cause of an outbreak of a respiratory sickness and has infected more than 190 million people all over the world. Numerous vaccines have been tested for corona virus (Covid-19) therapy such as Hydoxychloroquine, Ribavirin, sofosbuvir, tenofuvir and remdisivir. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), which is used in the treatment of malaria or treat infection, has recently been demonstrated for use in COVID-19 as an emergency therapy. The chemical substance HCQ is manufactured by rearranging the molecular structure of Ethylene oxide produced by human products, such as waxy maize starch. In medical science chemical properties, physical properties, pharmaceutical properties and biological properties of medicines are essential for designing of the drugs. These properties can be identified by topological indices. In this paper, we compute the temperature based topological indices of hydroxychoroquine HCQ-HES, and the discoveries will be beneficial in the development of novel drugs and vaccines in order to avoid and operation of corona virus (COVID-19). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Bioinformatics and system biology approach to identify the influences of COVID-19 on metabolic unhealthy obese patients (preprint)

Objective: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has posed a significant challenge to health of individual. Increasing evidence shows that patients with metabolic unhealthy obesity (MUO) and COVID19 have severer complications and higher mortality rate. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the association between MUO and COVID19 are poorly understood. We sought to implement transcriptomic analysis using bioinformatics and systems biology analysis approaches. Methods: Here, two datasets (GSE196822 and GSE152991) were employed to extract differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to identify common hub genes, shared pathways and candidate drugs and construct a gene disease network. Results: Based on the identified 65 common DEGs, the results revealed hub genes and essential modules. Moreover, common associations between MUO and COVID-19 were found. Transcription factors (TFs) and genes interaction, protein and drug interactions, and DEGs and miRNAs coregulatory network were identified. Furthermore, the gene-disease association were obtained and constructed. Conclusions: The shared pathogenic pathways are noted worth paying attention to. Several genes are highlighted as critical targets for developing treatments for and investigating the complications of COVID19 and MUO. Additionally, multiple genes are identified as promising biomarkers. We think this result of the study may help in selecting and inventing future treatments that can combat COVID-19 and MUO.

Exploration of the Link Between COVID-19 and Alcoholic Hepatitis from the Perspective of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (preprint)

Objective: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been suggested to purpose threats to health of mankind. Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a life-threatening acute and chronic liver failure that takes place in sufferers who drink excessively. During the epidemic, AH has an increasing incidence of severe illness and mortality. However, for these two diseases, the intrinsic relationship of molecular pathogenesis, as well as common therapeutic strategies are still poorly understood. Methods: The transcriptome of the COVID-19 and AH has been compared to obtain the altered genes and hub genes were screened out through protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Via gene ontology (GO), pathway enrichment and transcription regulator analysis, a deeper appreciation of the interplay mechanism between hub genes were established. Results: With 181 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of AH and COVID-19 were obtained, 10 hub genes were captured. Follow-up studies located that these 10 genes typically mediated the diseases occurrence by regulating the activities of the immune system. Other results suggest that the common pathways of the two ailments are enriched in regulating the function of immune cells and the release of immune molecules. Conclusion: This study reveals the common pathogenesis of COVID-19 and AH and assist to discover necessary therapeutic targets to combat the ongoing pandemic induced via SARS-CoV-2 infection and acquire promising remedy strategies for the two diseases.

Anthracyclines inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection (preprint)

Vaccines and drugs are two effective medical interventions to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 infection. Three SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors, remdesivir, paxlovid, and molnupiravir, have been approved for treating COVID-19 patients, but more are needed, because each drug has its limitation of usage and SARS-CoV-2 constantly develops drug resistance mutations. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 drugs have the potential to be repurposed to inhibit new human coronaviruses, thus help to prepare for future coronavirus outbreaks. We have screened a library of microbial metabolites to discover new SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. To facilitate this screening effort, we generated a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant carrying the nano luciferase as a reporter for measuring viral infection. Six compounds were found to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 at the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) below 1 mM, including the anthracycline drug aclarubicin that markedly reduced viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp)-mediated gene expression, whereas other anthracyclines inhibited SARS-CoV-2 by activating the expression of interferon and antiviral genes. As the most commonly prescribed anti-cancer drugs, anthracyclines hold the promise of becoming new SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors.

An artificial intelligence-based radiomics model for differential diagnosis between coronavirus disease 2019 and other viral pneumonias

OBJECTIVE: To set up a differential diagnosis radiomics model to identify coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other viral pneumonias based on an artificial intelligence (AI) approach that utilizes computed tomography (CT) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective multi-center research involved 225 patients with COVID-19 and 265 patients with other viral pneumonias. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm was used for the optimized features selection from 1218 radiomics features. Finally, a logistic regression (LR) classifier was applied to construct different diagnosis models. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was applied to evaluate the accuracy of different models. RESULTS: The patients were divided into a training set (313 of 392, 80%), an internal test set (79 of 392, 20%) and an external test set (n = 98). Thirteen features were selected to build the machine learning-based CT radiomics models. LR classifiers performed well in the training set (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.91), internal test set (AUC = 0.94), and external test set (AUC = 0.91). Delong tests suggested there was no significant difference between training and the two test sets (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of an AI-based radiomics model enables rapid discrimination of patients with COVID-19 from other viral infections, which can aid better surveillance and control during a pneumonia outbreak.

Machine Learning Highlights Downtrending of COVID-19 Patients with a Distinct Laboratory Profile

Background New York City (NYC) experienced an initial surge and gradual decline in the number of SARS-CoV-2-confirmed cases in 2020. A change in the pattern of laboratory test results in COVID-19 patients over this time has not been reported or correlated with patient outcome. Methods We performed a retrospective study of routine laboratory and SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test results from 5,785 patients evaluated in a NYC hospital emergency department from March to June employing machine learning analysis. Results A COVID-19 high-risk laboratory test result profile (COVID19-HRP), consisting of 21 routine blood tests, was identified to characterize the SARS-CoV-2 patients. Approximately half of the SARS-CoV-2 positive patients had the distinct COVID19-HRP that separated them from SARS-CoV-2 negative patients. SARS-CoV-2 patients with the COVID19-HRP had higher SARS-CoV-2 viral loads, determined by cycle threshold values from the RT-PCR, and poorer clinical outcome compared to other positive patients without the COVID12-HRP. Furthermore, the percentage of SARS-CoV-2 patients with the COVID19-HRP has significantly decreased from March/April to May/June. Notably, viral load in the SARS-CoV-2 patients declined, and their laboratory profile became less distinguishable from SARS-CoV-2 negative patients in the later phase. Conclusions Our longitudinal analysis illustrates the temporal change of laboratory test result profile in SARS-CoV-2 patients and the COVID-19 evolvement in a US epicenter. This analysis could become an important tool in COVID-19 population disease severity tracking and prediction. In addition, this analysis may play an important role in prioritizing high-risk patients, assisting in patient triaging and optimizing the usage of resources.

Interleukin-18-primed human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells achieve superior therapeutic efficacy for severe viral pneumonia via enhancing T-cell immunosuppression (preprint)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatments are still urgently needed for critically and severely ill patients. Human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) infusion has therapeutic benefits in COVID-19 patients; however, uncertain therapeutic efficacy has been reported in severe patients. In this study, we selected an appropriate cytokine, IL-18, based on the special cytokine expression profile in severe pneumonia of mice induced by H1N1virus to prime hUC-MSCs in vitro and improve the therapeutic effect of hUC-MSCs in vivo. In vitro, we demonstrated that IL-18-primed hUC-MSCs (IL18-hUCMSC) have higher proliferative ability than non-primed hUC-MSCs (hUCMSCcon), and there was no significant difference in their migration capacity. In addition, VCAM-1, MMP-1, TGF-β1, and some chemokines (CCL2 and CXCL12, for example) are more highly expressed in IL18-hUCMSCs. We found that IL18-hUCMSC significantly enhanced the immunosuppressive effect on CD3+ T-cells. In vivo, we demonstrated that IL18-hUCMSC infusion could reduce the body weight loss caused by a viral infection and significantly improve the survival rate. Of note, IL18-hUCMSC can also significantly attenuate certain clinical symptoms, including reduced activity, ruffled fur, hunched backs, and lung injuries. Pathologically, IL18-hUCMSC transplantation significantly enhanced the inhibition of inflammation, viral load, fibrosis, and cell apoptosis in acute lung injuries. Notably, IL18-hUCMSC treatment has a superior inhibitory effect on T-cell exudation and proinflammatory cytokine secretion in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Altogether, IL-18 is a promising cytokine that can prime hUC-MSCs to improve the efficacy of precision therapy against viral-induced pneumonia, such as COVID-19.

Long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on five mental and psychological disorders: in terms of the number of disease visits, drug consumption, and scale scores. (preprint)

Background:COVID-19 caused mild to severe infections in humans. The long-term epidemic environment harms people's mental health. To explore the impact of the epidemic on people's mental and psychological conditions, we surveyed in Wenzhou. Methods: We collected the data of people who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University for five types of mental and psychological diseases from January 2018 to December 2021. Then, taking December 2019 as the cut-off point, the 48-month data were divided into the pre-epidemic group and the dur-epidemic group. Based on the above data, statistical analysis was done. Results: From 2018 to 2021, the number of initial diagnoses, the number of disease visits, and drug consumption for these five types of mental and psychological diseases were all on the rise. Compared with the number of disease visits for all disorders in both psychiatry and neurology departments, it was found that the growth rate of these five diseases was higher than the growth rate of all disorders. We found that the number of disease visits, drug consumption, and scale scores after the COVID-19 outbreak were significantly different from those before the outbreak (P<0.05). And the number of disease visits positively correlated with drug consumption (P<0.0001, r=0.9503), which verified the stability of the data. Conclusion: The epidemic environment has had a long-term and negative impact on people's mental and psychological conditions. Therefore, whether or not the epidemic is receding, we still need to be concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on mental and psychological health.

Nanoplasmonic amplification in microfluidics enables minute-scale colorimetric quantification of nucleic acid biomarkers (preprint)

Nucleic acid amplification is the gold standard molecular diagnostic test, but it is not easily deployable due to required lengthy protocols and specialized equipment. The point of care testing to date is limited by versatility and rapidity in reading the amplification signal. We propose a new molecular test by integrating nanoplasmonically boosted nucleic acid amplification and microfluidic sample collection/preparation to achieve fully automated minute-scale (sample-to-answer time of 13 minutes) colorimetric detection of multiple nucleic acid biomarkers at single nucleotide resolution (QolorEX). Here, one-step isothermal amplification of RNA/DNA with loop-mediated amplification (RT-LAMP) and rolling circle amplification (RCA) can be boosted three-folds via plasmonic color enhancement generated on the surface of plasmonic nanostructures confined in the microfluidics. This offers a label/probe-free colorimetric approach deployable for the detection of a variety of targets by simple tuning of amplification reagents with a quantitative response as a function of the pathogen load. We demonstrated the versatility of the QolorEX through the detection of respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, and Influenza A H1N1, as well as antimicrobial-resistant bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We also demonstrated discrimination between SARS-CoV-2 variants by incorporating RCA to detect viral RNA alternatives at the level of single nucleotide polymorphism. We illustrated the diagnostic capability of QolorEX in clinical setting by testing 33 saliva samples from COVID-19 patients and achieved quantitative detection of viral RNA in saliva with a detection limit of 5 RNA copies/μl and 95% accuracy on par with qPCR. The simplicity, sensitivity, and robustness of QolorEX’s technology might eventually help with real-time monitoring of pathogenic infections and assist in clinical decision-making.

A rapid water bath PCR combined with lateral flow assay for the simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza B virus† † Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/d1ra07756b

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in significant global health and economic threats to the human society. Thus, a rapid and accurate detection method for early testing and diagnosis should be established. In this study, a rapid water bath polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with lateral flow assay was developed to detect SARS-CoV-2 and influenza B virus simultaneously. A homemade automated transfer device equipped with reaction tube shuttled rapidly between two water baths at 98 °C and 53 °C to realize rapid PCR. After amplification, two-ended labeled PCR products were detected using the lateral flow strip with two test lines and streptavidin-conjugated quantum dot nanobeads. The fluorescence value was read using a handheld instrument. The established assay could complete reverse-transcription PCR amplification and lateral flow detection in 45 minutes. The detection limits were 8.44 copies per μL and 14.23 copies per μL for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza B virus, respectively. The coefficients of variation of the test strip were 10.10% for the SARS-CoV-2 and 4.94% for the influenza B virus, demonstrating the excellent repeatability of the experiment. These results indicated that the rapid PCR combined with lateral flow assay could detect SARS-CoV-2 and influenza B virus simultaneously at a short assay time and low cost, thereby showing the remarkable potential for the rapid and multiplex detection of respiratory viruses in resource-limited settings. Rapid and highly sensitive multiplex detection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza B virus using water bath PCR-combined fluorescent lateral flow assay.

Individualism and the fight against COVID-19

What is the role of societal culture in the individualism-collectivism paradigm in pandemic containment? In the prolonged fight against COVID-19, government-initiated non-pharmaceutical interventions critically hinges on citizens’ adherence to these restrictive policies. Using an international setting, this research shows that countries scoring high on individualism generally have a more severe COVID-19 situation throughout the trajectory of the pandemic. This link between individualism and the severity of the virus situation is plausibly due to social non-cooperativeness in individualistic countries which reduces the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions aimed at mitigating the virus situation. Exploiting cultural disparity in the individualism-collectivism paradigm between former East and West German districts, this research further demonstrates that, after controlling for local characteristics that can affect the pandemic outcome, former East German districts have a less severe COVID-19 situation than former West German districts. Evidence collectively suggests that a greater reluctance among people in more individualistic cultures to heed virus-fighting policies impose a negative public health externality in a pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2 accessory protein ORF8 decreases antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (preprint)

SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein is the major target of host neutralizing antibodies and the most changing viral protein in the continuously emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants as a result of frequent viral evasion from host antibody responses. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 encodes multiple accessory proteins that modulate host antiviral immunity by different mechanisms. Among all SARS-CoV-2 accessory proteins, ORF8 is rapidly evolving and a deletion in this protein has been linked to milder disease. Here, we studied the effect of ORF8 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Specifically, we found that ORF8 can bind monocytes as well as NK cells. Strikingly, ORF8 binds CD16a (FcγRIIIA) with nanomolar affinity and decreases the overall level of CD16 at the surface of monocytes and, to a lesser extent, NK cells. Strikingly, this decrease significantly reduces the capacity of PBMCs and particularly monocytes to mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Overall, our data identifies a new immune-evasion activity used by SARS-CoV-2 to escape humoral responses.

Neutralizing breadth of antibodies targeting diverse conserved epitopes between SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 (preprint)

Antibody therapeutics for the treatment of COVID-19 has been highly successful while faces a challenge of the recent emergence of the Omicron variant which escapes the majority of existing SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (nAbs). Here, we successfully generated a panel of SARS-CoV-2/SARS-CoV cross-neutralizing antibodies by sequential immunization of the two pseudoviruses. Of which, nAbs X01, X10 and X17 showed broadly neutralizing breadths against most variants of concern (VOCs) and X17 was further identified as a Class 5 nAb with undiminished neutralization against the Omicron variant. Cryo-EM structures of three-antibody in complex with the spike proteins of prototyped SARS-CoV-2, Delta, Omicron and SARS-CoV defined three non-overlapping conserved epitopes on the receptor-binding domain (RBD). The triple antibody cocktail exhibited enhanced resistance to viral escape and effective protection against the infection of Beta variant in hamsters. Our finding will aid the development of both antibody therapeutics and broad vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and emerging variants.

Effectiveness and Safety of MSC Cell Therapies for Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (preprint)

ABSTRACT MSC (a.k.a. mesenchymal stem cell or medicinal signaling cell) cell therapies have shown promise in decreasing mortality in ARDS and suggest benefits in treatment of COVID-19 related ARDS. We performed a meta-analysis of published trials assessing the effectiveness and adverse events (AE) of MSC cell therapy in individuals hospitalized for COVID-19. Systematic searches were performed in multiple databases through April 8th, 2021. Reports in all languages including randomized clinical trials (RCTs), comparative observational studies, and case series/case reports were included. Random effects model was used to pool outcomes from RCTs and comparative observational studies. Outcome measures included all-cause mortality, serious adverse events (SAEs), AEs, pulmonary function, laboratory and imaging findings. A total of 413 patients were identified from 25 studies, which included 8 controlled trials (3 RCTs), 5 comparative observational studies, (n=300) and 17 case-series/case reports (n=113). The patients age was 60.5 years (mean), 33.7% were women. When compared with the control group, MSC cell therapy was associated with reduction in all-cause mortality (RR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.75, I2=0.0%; 3 RCTs and 5 comparative observational studies, 300 patients), reduction in SAEs (IRR=0.36, 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.90, I2=0.0%; 3 RCTs and 2 comparative studies, n=219), no significant difference in AE rate. A sub-group with pulmonary function studies suggested improvement in patients receiving MSC. These findings support the potential for MSC cell therapy to decrease all-cause mortality, reduce SAEs, and improve pulmonary function compared to conventional care. Large scale double-blinded, well-powered RCTs should be conducted to further explore these results.

Effectiveness and Safety of MSC Cell Therapies for Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (preprint)

Background: Covid-19 has contributed to high mortality and morbidity among hospitalized patients. One of the main pathophysiological processes of the disease is an exuberant immune response leading to respiratory failure. MSC (a.k.a. mesenchymal stem cell or medicinal signaling cell) cell therapies have shown promise in modulating responses in inflammatory diseases and trend in decreasing mortality in ARDS. Controlled clinical trials with limited sample size assessing the effectiveness of MSC in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 suggest safety and potential to improve outcomes. We performed a meta-analysis of published trials assessing the clinical effectiveness and adverse events of MSC cell therapy in individuals hospitalized for COVID-19.Methods: Systematic searches were performed in multiple databases through April 8 th , 2021. Reports in all languages were included. Randomized clinical trials, comparative observational studies, and case series/case reports that evaluated safety and/or efficacy of MSC cell therapy in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.Independent reviewers selected studies and extracted data. Random effects model was used to pool outcomes from RCTs and comparative observational studies. Outcome measures included all-cause mortality, serious adverse events (SAEs), mild adverse events (AEs), pulmonary function, laboratory and imaging findings. Findings: A total of 413 patients were identified from 25 studies, which included 8 controlled trials (3 RCTs), 5 comparative observational studies, n=300) and 17 case-series/case reports (n=113). The patients age was 60.5 years (mean) and 33.7% were women. When compared with the control group receiving institutionally defined standard of care, MSC cell therapy was associated with reduction in all-cause mortality (RR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.75, I 2 =0.0%; 3 RCTs and 5 comparative observational studies, 300 patients), and reduction in SAEs (IRR=0.36, 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.90, I 2 =0.0%; 3 RCTs and 2 comparative studies, n=219). There was no significant difference in AE rate. A sub-group with pulmonary function studies suggested improvement in patients receiving MSC cell therapy. Interpretation: Together these findings support the potential for MSC cell therapy to decrease all-cause mortality, reduce SAEs, and improve pulmonary function in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to conventional care. Large scale double-blinded, well-powered randomized controlled trials should be conducted to further explore these results. Funding: None to declare. Declaration of Interest: W. Q., J. M. H., J. K., C. R. reported roles as principal investigators of MSC trials. J. M. H. reported having a patent for cardiac cell-based therapy, holds equity in Vestion, Inc., and maintains a professional relationship with Vestion, Inc. as a consultant and member of the Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Board; J. M. H. is also the Chief Scientific Officer, a compensated consultant and advisory board member, for Longeveron and holds equity in Longeveron; J. M. H. is the coinventor of intellectual property licensed to Longeveron. J. M. H. declared inventor or patent holder and research funding from Longeveron, Heart Genomics; advisory role and research funding with Vestion; research funding from NHLBI. J. K. declare Intellectual property rights with IDF, hCT-MSC for treatment of ASD, HIE, which were licensed to CryoCell Int’l by Duke University; NMDP Scientific Advisor; Celularity SAB; research funding from the Marcus Foundation, NIH, HRSA; leadership position with Istari—CMO (spouse). G. B. consults for SciNeuro and Vida Ventures, had consulted for AbbVie, E-Scape, and Eisai, and receives funding from NIH and Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. He serves as a Co-Editor-in-Chief for Molecular Neurodegeneration. The other authors indicated no potential conflicts of interest. K.M. is a consultant in RESTEM.

A New Vaccine Targeting the S1 of the S Protein Induce Mice Immune Response against COVID-19 (preprint)

Coronavirus disease 2019 is pandemic across the world since the severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 emerged in December 2019. The most efficient method to defend COVID 19 is vaccine. Here, we used HEK293 cell line to produce the recombinant protein and compared several vaccine candidates’ efficiency. The structures of the candidates were designed based on the S1 protein and RBD region. After three doses, the vaccines induced SARS-CoV-2 specific neutralizing antibodies in mice which presented high titers. The maximum neutralization activity could reach more than 90% without inflammation suggesting the great neutralizing ability against SARS-CoV-2.

Dynamic volatility spillovers and investment strategies between the Chinese stock market and commodity markets

Building on the increased interest in the volatility spillover effects between Chinese stock market and commodity markets, this paper investigates the dynamic volatility spillovers of Chinese stock market and Chinese commodity markets based on the volatility spillover index under the framework of TVP-VAR. the result shows that there is a highly dependent relationship between the stock market and commodity markets. On average, the Chinese stock market is the net recipient of spillover, non-ferrous metals and chemical industry have a very obvious spillover impact on the stock market. The degree of total volatility spillover is different in different periods. After major crisis events, the volatility correlation between markets increases. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the spillover effect of the stock market on the commodity market has been significantly enhanced. Then optimal portfolio weights and hedge ratios are calculated for portfolio diversification and risk management. The result shows that the ability of most commodities to hedge against risks is significantly reduced when the crisis occurs;NMFI (precious metals) and CRFI (grain) still have good hedging ability after the crisis, but the effectiveness of hedging risk is relatively low. Besides, the combination of CRFI and SHCI (the Shanghai composite index) is the most effective for risk reduction.