Article Summary
April 10, 2020
The Role of Vitamin D in Suppressing Cytokine Storm in COVID-19 Patients and Associated Mortality
Data from over 5,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases from 9 countries are analyzed to investigate a potential association between severe Vitamin D deficiency and age-specific case fatality. The study find that countries with lower Vitamin D levels had higher age-specific case fatality, suggesting that proper Vitamin D supplementation may reduce the number of severe COVID-19 cases…
Pulmonary and Cardiac Pathology in COVID-19: The First Autopsy Series from New Orleans
Fox et al report on relevant cardiopulmonary findings from the first series of autopsies in the US on patients who died from COVID-19. These cases identify key pathologic states potentially contributing to severe disease and decompensation in these patients. Fox et al. (Apr 10, 2020). Pulmonary and Cardiac Pathology in COVID-19: The First Autopsy Series…
Further Evidence of a Possible Correlation Between the Severity of Covid-19 and BCG Immunization
Based on the preliminary analysis of available evidence that supports possible correlation between BCG vaccination and severity of COVID-19 effects at a population level, the author concludes that effectiveness of BCG immunization may depend on the age of administration, with early age inoculation being more effective for lasting protection. Dolgikh (Apr 7, 2020). Further Evidence…
Effect of throat washings on detection of 2019 novel coronavirus
SARS-CoV-2 detection was compared in paired self-collected throat washings and nasopharyngeal swabs from 11 patients. The authors conclude that positive testing rate of throat washing was much higher than that of nasopharyngeal swabs, and that throat washing is a promising candidate for 2019-nCoV screening and monitoring due to its noninvasive nature and reliability. Guo et…
Variation in False Negative Rate of RT-PCR Based SARS-CoV-2 Tests by Time Since Exposure
The authors used previously published data on RT-PCR sensitivity of samples derived from nasal swabs to calculate the false negative rate by day since exposure and symptom onset. The probability of a false negative test ranged from 100% on day one post exposure to 26% three days after onset symptoms. The authors conclude that in…
Optimization of SARS-CoV-2 detection by RT-QPCR without RNA extraction
The authors evaluated a direct RT-QPCR method without RNA extraction and the influence of swab storage media on detection. Their SeeGene’s assay provided similar efficiency to RealStar®. The authors conclude that RNA extraction may not be necessary if samples are stored in UTM or molecular water; and also recommend that samples be stored in saline…
No Association of COVID-19 transmission with temperature or UV radiation in Chinese cities
The authors explored the association between meteorological factors and COVID-19 transmission in 224 Chinese cities. No significant associations were found, suggesting that ambient temperature and UV radiation may not have a significant impact on SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Yao et al. (Apr 1, 2020). No Association of COVID-19 transmission with temperature or UV radiation in Chinese cities….
Geographic Differences in COVID-19 Cases, Deaths, and Incidence — United States, February 12–April 7, 2020
This MMWR report includes geographic differences in COVID-19 cases, deaths, and changes in incidence in the US, with cumulative incidence ranging widely from 20.6 to 915.3 cases per 100,000 population. These differences likely reflect a combination of jurisdiction-specific epidemiologic and population-level factors, including 1) the timing of COVID-19 introductions; 2) population density; 3) age distribution…
Spatial Correlation of Particulate Matter Pollution and Death Rate of COVID-19
The authors conducted a cross-sectional analysis to examine spatial associations of daily PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations with COVID-19 death rate in China, finding that COVID-19 had higher death rates with increasing concentrations of either PM. This is consistent with past SARS research. Yao et al. (Apr 10, 2020). Spatial Correlation of Particulate Matter Pollution and…
Self-Isolation Compliance In The COVID-19 Era Influenced By Compensation: Findings From A Recent Survey In Israel
A cross sectional study of the adult population of Israel conducted to assess public attitudes towards the COVID-19 outbreak and compliance of self-quarantine measures suggests that compliance is much higher when compensation for lost wages is assumed. This study indicates that providing people with assurances for their livelihood during self-quarantine is an important component in…
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