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July 13, 2020
Decontamination and Reuse of N95 Filtering Facemask Respirators: A Systematic Review of the Literature
A systematic review (n=14 studies) found that ultraviolet germicidal irradiation and vaporized hydrogen peroxide were the most promising decontamination methods for N95 filtered face masks, based on ability to reduce pathogen load while maintaining filtration function and without residual toxicity. Rodriguez-Martinez et al. (July 2020). Decontamination and Reuse of N95 Filtering Facemask Respirators: A Systematic…
A Case-Control and Cohort Study to Determine the Relationship between Ethnic Background and Severe COVID-19
[pre-print, not peer-reviewed] Based in a case-control study (872 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 3,488 controls) and a cohort study (1,827 adults admitted with COVID-19) conducted among inner–city adult residents in London, Black and Mixed/Other ethnicity were associated with a significantly higher admission risk than white ethnicity (OR=3.1, 95% CI 2.6-3.7 and OR=3.0, 95% CI 2.3-3.9, respectively). Among patients hospitalized for COVID-19, 29% died over a median of…
Intensive Care Admissions of Children with Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Temporally Associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS) in the UK: A Multicentre Observational Study
Davies et al. conducted a multi-center study of children admitted to PICUs in the UK who met the case definition of pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS) (n=78). Historical data on admissions for similar conditions found a mean of 1 admission per week, as compared to a mean of 14 cases per week during…
Factors Affecting Stability and Infectivity of SARS-CoV-2
Chan et al. studied the concentration of viable (able to infect tissue culture) SARS-CoV-2 after exposure to a range of environmental conditions using the TCID50 assay. They found that SARS-CoV-2 retained viability for 3-5 days when dried and for 7 days when in solution at room temperature. Survival improved at lower temperatures and declined at higher temperatures. The virus also remained…
SARS-CoV-2 from Faeces to Wastewater Treatment: What Do We Know? A Review
A review paper found that, while SARS-CoV-2 in sewage is unlikely to result in transmission due to dilution and environmental factors that reduce viability, wastewater surveillance may be leveraged as an early warning for outbreaks. The authors also review methods to achieve high inactivation of any SARS-CoV-2 particles that remain viable in wastewater. Foladori et al. (June 2020). SARS-CoV-2 from Faeces to Wastewater Treatment: What Do We…
Working Memory Capacity Predicts Individual Differences in Social-Distancing Compliance during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States
Xie et al. found that adherence to social distancing guidance among participants (2 study populations, n=397 and n-453) surveyed in mid– to late –March was associated with individual differences in working memory capacity, and was partly due to increased awareness of benefits over costs of social distancing. They defined memory capacity as the ability to simultaneously retain multiple pieces of information. This effect persisted after adjustment for other psychological and socioeconomic factors….
July 10, 2020
Association of Black Race with Outcomes in COVID-19 Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Among patients who were screened for COVID-19 at the University of Chicago (n=4,413), Adegunsoye et al. found that after adjusting for zip code, black race was associated with greater likelihood of infection (OR=2.16, 95%CI: 1.73-2.70) and hospitalization (OR=1.51, 95%CI: 1.03-1.05), but not with mortality. Adegunsoye et al. (July 9, 2020). Association of Black Race with Outcomes in COVID-19 Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Annals of the…
Relative Contributions of Transmission Routes for COVID-19 among Healthcare Personnel Providing Patient Care
Using a quantitative microbial risk assessment and exposure model, Jones found that droplet and inhalation transmission routes contributed to 35% and 57% of the probability of infection among healthcare workers without PPE, respectively. Direct contact accounted for only 8% of transmissions. Jones. (July 9, 2020). Relative Contributions of Transmission Routes for COVID-19 among Healthcare Personnel Providing Patient Care. Journal…
Incidence of Stress Cardiomyopathy During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic
Jabri et al. found a significant increase in the incidence of stress cardiomyopathy during the COVID-19 period compared to pre–pandemic time periods (RR=4.58; 95%CI: 4.11-5.11). These findings were based on a retrospective study of 1,914 patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome across 5 time periods. Jabri et al. found a significant increase in the incidence of stress cardiomyopathy during…
Changes in the Type of Sports Activity Due to COVID-19: Hypochondriasis and the Intention of Continuous Participation in Sports
Choi et al. examined fear and anxiety about SARS-CoV-2 infection in relation to participation in sports activities among participants in South Korea and found that older adults and those who participated in group sports had the highest measures of fear and anxiety. Choi and Bum. (July 6, 2020). Changes in the Type of Sports Activity Due to COVID-19: Hypochondriasis and the Intention of Continuous Participation in…
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