Article Summary
February 27, 2020
Composition and divergence of coronavirus spike proteins and host ACE2 receptors predict potential intermediate hosts of SARS-CoV-2
The search for possible intermediate hosts of SARS-CoV-2 is still ongoing. Liu et al. (Feb 27, 2020) Composition and divergence of coronavirus spike proteins and host ACE2 receptors predict potential intermediate hosts of SARS-CoV-2. Pre-print downloaded Feb 27 from https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.25726
Genomic variations of COVID-19 suggest multiple outbreak sources of transmission
Zhang et al. reported evolution of COVID-19 strains to form two well-supported clades (Type I and II). Type II strains likely evolved from Type I and are more prevalent than Type I among infected patients. Second, by analyzing the three genomic sites distinguishing Type I and Type II strains, they found that the synonymous changes…
Emergent Strategies for the Next Phase of COVID-19
Huh et al. discuss emergent strategies for the next phase of COVID-19. Their review of transmission dynamics from the earliest period of the outbreak showed characteristics such as; relatively large proportion of mild cases, high viral shedding at the symptom onset, and a slowly progressive clinical course, make containment difficult and undermine the effectiveness of…
Clinical features and sexual transmission potential of SARS-CoV-2 infected female patients: a descriptive study in Wuhan, China
Cui et al. investigated possible sexual transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in 35 female patients diagnosed with COVID-19 using RT-PCR, to detect SARS-CoV-2 in vaginal environment and anal swab samples. All vaginal samples tested negative and only one anal swab sample tested positive. The results from this study do not indicate sexual transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Cui et…
February 26, 2020
A Novel Approach of Consultation on 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)-Related Psychological and Mental Problems: Structured Letter Therapy
The author describes the difficulties of accessing timely psychological intervention during the COVID-19 outbreak, particularly when patients are under quarantine. He suggests a potential method to address this issue via what is described as “Structured Letter Therapy”. The author emphasizes that this method is meant for brief consultation only, and is not an appropriate modality…
Mental health status and coping strategy of medical workers in China during The COVID-19 outbreak
In a study of 5,393 healthcare workers from all provinces in China (excluding Hong Kong and Taiwan), conducted between Feb 9-15, 2020, participants self-reported on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia using scales validated for Chinese populations and on perceived social support. Insomnia was the most common symptom (34.3% of respondents) followed by depression (28%)…
Mental Health Care Measures in Response to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak in Korea
Mental health professionals from the National Mental Health Center in Korea have been deployed to offer counseling to hundreds of individuals under quarantine. National hospitals and community mental health centers are also providing services. Accurate information on common emotional responses to infectious disease outbreaks, recommendations for evaluation, and advice on coping strategies have been distributed…
Real-time monitoring the transmission potential of COVID-19 in Singapore, February 2020
Containment efforts in Singapore, including social distancing and active case finding efforts, appear to be successfully limiting the spread of COVID-19. Tariq et al. (Feb 25, 2020). Real-time monitoring the transmission potential of COVID-19 in Singapore, February 2020. Pre-print downloaded Feb 26 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.02.21.20026435
Trends in Transmissibility of 2019 Novel Coronavirus-infected Pneumonia in Wuhan and 29 Provinces in China
Using dynamic modelling techniques, the authors estimate shifts in the SARS-CoV-2 reproductive number over time and across provinces in China, concluding that the public health interventions implemented in Wuhan have been effective in slowing and preventing outbreaks in Hubei Province and other provinces. Lin et al. (Feb 25, 2020). Trends in Transmissibility of 2019 Novel…
Characterizing the transmission and identifying the control strategy for COVID-19 through epidemiological modeling
Predictive modelling and simulations were used to evaluate different control strategies used to limit COVID-19 transmission. The most effective appears to be comprehensive quarantine in hospitals and quarantine stations. Ineffective quarantine efforts on the Diamond Princess Cruise ship and the initial cluster of cases tied to the Huanan Seafood Market underscore the importance of implementing…
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