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May 26, 2021
Variants of Concern Are Overrepresented among Post-Vaccination Breakthrough Infections of SARS-CoV-2 in Washington State
[Pre-print, not peer-reviewed] All (n = 20) breakthrough infections detected among fully vaccinated University of Washington healthcare workers involved a variant of concern, compared to a background rate of 68% of community cases being caused by a variant of concern across WA state during the same time period (N=5,174). Additionally, variants that have been reported…
Multiplexed Detection of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Respiratory Infections in High Throughput by SARSeq
A novel molecular test for detection of SARS-CoV-2 called SARSeq (saliva analysis by RNA sequencing) demonstrated sensitivity approximately equal to existing RT-PCR tests, high specificity, and low cost while utilizing equipment available in most molecular biology facilities. The test can be run on up to 36,000 samples in parallel with a turnaround time of 12-24…
Feasibility and Utility of Rapid Antigen Testing for COVID-19 in a University Residence a Cross Sectional Study
[Pre-print, not peer-reviewed] An evaluation of a rapid testing program among 1141 resident students and staff at a university in British Columbia found that the use of rapid antigen tests was feasible, inexpensive, and increased sensitivity for detection of active SARS-CoV-2 infections. The testing program utilized the BD Veritor COVID-19 rapid antigen test and participants…
Ivermectin for the Treatment of COVID-19 A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
[Pre-print, not peer-reviewed] A systematic review and meta-analysis (n = 10 studies, n = 1,173 patients) of randomized controlled trials found that the use of ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19 did not reduce all-cause mortality, length of hospitalization, adverse events, or viral clearance. Trials of ivermectin for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in…
SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Testing in Healthcare Workers a Comparison of the Clinical Performance of Three Commercially Available Antibody Assays
[Pre-print, not peer-reviewed] A comparison of commercially available SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays found that the Roche Anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid Total Antibody test (Roche) detected antibodies for at least seven months after confirmed natural infection with while sensitivity of the Abbott Anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid IgG (Abbott) declined over time. Among serum samples from healthcare workers (N=5,788) with previously confirmed…
Estimating Infectiousness throughout SARS-CoV-2 Infection Course
An analysis of 936,423 SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR-positive samples from hospitalized and non-hospitalized persons in Germany found that high viral loads (> 109 copies per swab) were found in 8% of subjects, 1/3 of whom were pre-symptomatic, asymptomatic, or mildly symptomatic. The mean number of days from onset of viral shedding to peak viral load was 4.3….
May 25, 2021
Socioeconomic and Racial Inequities in Breast Cancer Screening During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Washington State
Breast cancer screening declined by 49% in Washington State during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic screening, according to an analysis of completed mammograms within a large non-profit community health care system. 55,678 screenings were conducted between April to December 2019 whereas only 27,522 screenings occurred during the same period in 2020. Greater declines in…
Poor Nutritional Status, Risk of Sarcopenia and Nutrition Related Complaints Are Prevalent in COVID-19 Patients during and after Hospital Admission
73% of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 were at high risk of muscle tissue loss (sarcopenia) and 22% of patients experienced serious acute weight loss (>5kg), according to a prospective observational cohort in the Netherlands conducted from April to December 2020 (n=407). Muscle tissue loss was defined as ≥4 points on the SARC-F questionnaire during hospitalization….
The Efficacy of UV Light-Emitting Technology against Coronaviruses: A Systematic Review
Complete inactivation of coronaviruses on surfaces and in aerosols required at least 15 minutes within a maximum distance from the UV emitter up to 1 meter, according to a systematic review of 18 studies reporting on the efficacy of UV technologies against coronaviruses (n=6 against SARS-CoV-2). The authors noted significant heterogeneity among the studies in…
Post-COVID Syndrome in Non-Hospitalised Patients with COVID-19: A Longitudinal Prospective Cohort Study
Shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of smell, and loss of taste persisted in 9%, 10%, 12%, and 11%, respectively, in a cohort of 442 individuals with COVID-19 (mostly mild cases) who were followed up at 4 months post-infection in Germany. At least one of these characteristic symptoms was present in 123 participants at both the…
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