Novel viruses, old data, and basic principles: how to save lives and avoid harm amid the unknown.
Lancet
3
05/21/2020
OB/GYN, Pediatrics
SARS-COV2 can be detected in breast milk.
Lancet
4
05/22/2020
Therapeutics
Hydroxychloroquine Registry data in the lancet showed an increased risk of mortality with HC or HC plus a macrolide.
Lancet
5
05/22/2020
Therapeutics
Opinion from Lancet regarding prophylaxis of COVID-19 with hydroxychloroquine.
Lancet
6
05/22/2020
PPE
A history of the medical mask and the rise of throwaway culture. Lancet article with references regarding mask testing and types.
Lancet
7
Pediatrics, Schools
UNESCO education coalition framework for reopening schools.
8
Informatics
COVID-19 data sets - Lancet
Lancet
9
Informatics
CDC estimates of disease virulence and their pandemic estimator that allows for adjustment of numbers.
CDC
10
06/01/2020
PPE
Physical distancing, face masks, and eye protection to prevent person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Masks are helpful. Distancing is also helpful in reducing infection. Mask type matters, dual layer is better. Eye protection has also shown to be helpful. Lancet
Lancet
11
06/03/2020
Therapeutics
Hydroxychloroquine does not prevent COVID-19 according to study
NEJM
12
Informatics, PPE, Special Populations
SARS-CoV-2 Infections and Serologic Responses from a Sample of U.S. Navy Service Members — USS Theodore Roosevelt, April 2020
CDC published serology and surveillance data from the USS Theodore Roosevelt. ⅕ are asymptomatic. Masks and distancing were protective.
CDC
13
Pediatrics, Special Populations
COVID-19 Infections And Deaths Are Higher Among Those With Intellectual Disabilities
NPR
14
Special Populations
New York City’s Homeless Population Has High Covid-19 Mortality Rate
Homeless more likely to die from COVID-19
WSJ
15
Legal
US Equal opportunity employment commission advice on the ADA and COVID-19.
16
Informatics, Epidemiology
NY City Tracker and Case Counts
COVID-19 Death rates are higher in NYC than most others. Perhaps due to the NH infections. 10% in NYC (30% in elderly, far lower in everyone else. )
NY Times
17
Race, Special Populations
Racial disparities in COVID infection and death rates among minorities.
18
PPE
Evidence for filtering capability of cloth masks and different materials. April 2020
19
Transmission
JAMA summary on droplet vs airborne evidence
20
07/21/2020
Immunology
Human-IgG-Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies Block the SARS-CoV-2 Infection - 11 neutralizing antibodies against Sars-CoV 2. (pre-print made available 07/17/2020)
A study has found 11 potent antibodies that can neutralize the novel coronavirus from the blood of recovered COVID patients. All of these antibodies bind to the spike protein, which is the protein that helps the virus interact with and invade human cells. One of the antibodies is able to enhance the neutralizing abilities of other antibodies.
Journal Cell Reports
21
07/15/2020
Immunology
SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell immunity in cases of COVID-19 and SARS, and uninfected controls
Journal Nature
23
07/16/2020
Informatics, Contact Tracing, Epidemiology
Impact of delays on effectiveness of contact tracing strategies for COVID-19: a modelling study
Lancet
24
07/23/2020
Pediatrics
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children in New York State
Two studies describe the clinical presentations of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a condition associated with COVID that manifests with gastrointestinal dysfunction, heart and blood vessel damage, skin lesions, and neurologic disturbances, among other problems
NEJM
25
07/23/2020
Pediatrics
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in U.S. Children and Adolescents
NEJM
26
06/29/2020
Therapeutics
Gastrointestinal Symptoms and outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients
A study among hospitalized COVID patients finds that approximately 20% had gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. The presence of these symptoms, however, is not related to clinical outcomes (mortality, length of hospital stay, and need for ventilation)
Digestive Dis.
27
06/25/2020
Pediatrics
COVID-19 in children and adolescents in Europe: a multinational, multicentre cohort study
A study evaluated children with COVID across Europe and found that 87% did not require any respiratory support. The study did find, however, that patients younger than one month may be more likely to require intensive care.
Lancet
28
06/30/2020
Epidemiology
Suppression of a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in the Italian municipality of Vo’
A study of COVID patients in an Italian region that was a COVID hotspot finds that 43% of infected individuals never developed symptoms and that there was no significant difference in the viral load of symptomatic versus asymptomatic patients.
Nature
29
06/27/2020
Immunology
Analysis of the diagnostic value of serum specific antibody testing for coronavirus disease 2019
A study finds that levels of IgM (a type of short-term antibodies) against the coronavirus may be used as an indicator for recent infection or recurrent infections. The study also describes the relationship between levels of IgG (a type of longer-term antibodies) and severity of COVID infection.
Medical Virology
30
07/04/2020
Immunology, Pathophysiology
Expression of ACE2 in Human Neurons Supports the Neuro-Invasive Potential of COVID-19 Virus
A study finds that neurons express ACE2 (the protein on airway cells that allow the Coronavirus to invade these cells), which may explain how the Coronavirus can invade the brain and cause neurological symptoms.
Cell + Molecular Biology
31
07/03/2020
Therapeutics
Nafamostat mesylate treatment in combination with favipiravir for patients critically ill with Covid-19: a case series
A study reports preliminary findings that nafamostat mesylate (a medication that can prevent Coronavirus entry into human cells) and favipiravir (an antiviral medication against the influenza) used in combination may help patients recover from COVID.
Critical Care
32
06/29/2020
Therapeutics
Treatment with hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and combination in patients hospitalized with COVID-19
A study finds that treating COVID patients with a combination of azithromycin (an antibiotic that also decreases airway inflammation) and hydroxychloroquine (an antimalarial) or either alone may decrease mortality, when compared with patients who were treated with neither.
Int. Journal of Infectious Disease
33
06/28/2020
Epidemiology
Evidence for SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Animal Hosts
A report summarizes evidence that various animals, including rhesus macaques, hamsters, ferrets, cats, and fruit bats, can carry the novel Coronavirus. Greater understanding of animal carriers can potentially influence disease control measures.
Pathogen
34
07/06/2020
Immunology
Marked T cell activation, senescence, exhaustion and skewing towards TH17 in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia
A study finds that in COVID patients, there are peculiar changes in the growth and activation of T lymphocytes (a type of immune cells) that lead to rapid widespread inflammation, similar to what happens in septic shock. The activation pathways these researchers have identified can help with the development of new therapies that modulate inflammation.
Nature Communications
35
07/06/2020
Immunology
An evaluation of COVID-19 serological assays informs future diagnostics and exposure assessment
A study investigates the reliability of commercially available serology tests in detecting antibodies against the Coronavirus. It found considerable variation in the accuracy of these tests. The researchers suggest that currently available rapid antibody diagnostic tests are not yet robust enough for over-the-counter personalized testing.
Nature Communications
36
07/03/2020
Pathophysiology
Analysis of ACE2 Genetic Variability among Populations Highlights a Possible Link with COVID-19-Related Neurological Complications
A study finds that genetic variations pertaining to ACE2 (the protein on human cells that the Coronavirus uses to invade these cells) in COVID patients may be associated with the diversity of neurological symptoms. These findings further support the emerging theory that our individual genetics affect our susceptibility and responses to COVID.
Genes
37
07/09/2020
Pathophysiology
Persistent Symptoms in Patients After Acute COVID-19
A study finds that among patients who were discharged from the hospital after recovery from COVID (meeting criteria such as lack of fever and two consecutive negative COVID tests), 87.4% had persistent symptoms, especially fatigue and difficulty breathing. 44% of patients also reported decreased quality of life.
JAMA
38
07/08/2020
Epidemiology
Rapid Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in the Greater New York Metropolitan Area: Geolocation, Demographics, Positivity Rates, and Hospitalization for 46,793 Persons Tested by Northwell Health
A study finds that COVID was already geographically widespread in the New York metropolitan area when testing began in early March 2020. The study also finds that COVID transmission, when analyzed by zip code, is very heterogeneous, and is strongly influenced by population density, household income, average age, and other factors.
Clinical Infectious Disease
39
08/06/2020
Pathophysiology
The Global Phosphorylation Landscape of SARSCoV-2 Infectio
A large study analyzes how, after invading human cells, the novel coronavirus hijacks various metabolic pathways that regulate cell growth and death. This finding allow researchers to identify potential antiviral therapies that target these dysregulated pathways.
Cell
40
07/10/2020
Immunology
Rapid isolation and profiling of a diverse panel of human monoclonal antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
A research team has developed a platform for rapidly isolating hundreds of human antibodies against the novel coronavirus. They classify these antibodies by what part of the virus is targeted and how strongly they can bind to the virus. The researchers hope this platform can help with vaccine development and therapeutic antibody design.
Nature Medicine
41
07/09/2020
Epidemiology
Revealing COVID-19 transmission in Australia by SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing and agent-based modeling
A study uses near real-time genome sequencing of the novel coronavirus in a population of infected patients in Australia and finds that this high-resolution genomic surveillance can identify and predict the transmission patterns of locally-acquired and imported COVID cases. The researchers posit that this genomic data analysis can contribute to timely recognition of imported infections after travel and trade restrictions are lifted.
Nature Medicine
42
07/04/2020
Pathophysiology
Viral shedding dynamics in asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients infected with SARS-CoV-2
A study contributes evidence that asymptomatic people with COVID can often shed the virus for long periods of time. The study found that the median duration of viral shedding was 11.5, 28, and 31 days for pre-symptomatic, asymptomatic and mild symptomatic patients, respectively.
Clinical Microbiology and Infection
43
07/11/2020
Therapeutics
Comparison of hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, and standard of care in critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: an opportunistic retrospective analysis
A study finds that neither hydroxychloroquine nor lopinavir/ritonavir (an HIV medication), both COVID therapies under investigation, were able to improve clinical outcomes of critically-ill COVID patients. Evidence supporting the use of either of these medications for COVID has still been mixed; more data is likely needed before a definitive conclusion can be reached.
Critical Care
44
07/06/2020
Pathophysiology
Factors affecting stability and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2
A study further demonstrates that the novel coronavirus can survive for days on contaminated environmental surfaces at room temperature, with longer survival times on wet compared to dry media. The study also shows that common household disinfectants, as well as moderately warm temperatures (37C/98.6F), can lead to rapid inactivation of the virus.
Journal of Hospital Infection
45
11/01/2020
Genetics, Pathophysiology
Genome-wide analysis of Indian SARS-CoV-2 genomes for the identification of genetic mutation and SNP
A study analyzing the genome of the novel coronavirus in India finds various types of mutations (including base substitutions, deletions, and insertions). The researchers propose that these mutations can be used to classify strains of the coronavirus and to potentially design more effective vaccines for specific strains.
Infection, Genetics and Evolution
46
07/12/2020
Pathophysiology
Blood type and outcomes in patients with COVID-19
A large study finds that blood type is not associated with risk of severe disease or death among patients with COVID. These results are in contrast to several earlier studies suggesting that type A blood is associated with worse outcomes and type O blood is associated with better outcomes. Overall, data on blood type is probably still too uncertain for it to be a part of widespread risk profiling.
Annals of Hematology
47
07/13/2020
Transmission
Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Theoretical Considerations and Available Evidence
An article reviews current evidence for respiratory droplet vs. aerosol transmission of COVID and finds that aerosol-based transmission appears to be less likely. This result means that six feet of physical distancing, wearing face coverings (either medical masks, cloth masks, or face shields), maintaining hand hygiene, and keeping environments well ventilated should be effective in stopping COVID spread
JAMA
48
07/13/2020
Immunology
Humoral and circulating follicular helper T cell responses in recovered patients with COVID-19
A study examines antibodies against the novel coronavirus in recovered COVID patients and finds that there is a broad variety of antibodies produced, with significant variation in their ability to actually neutralize the virus. The researchers hope that these results can enable better design of vaccines to elicit the most effective antibodies.
Nature Medicine
49
07/13/2020
Immunology
Neutralizing nanobodies bind SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD and block interaction with ACE2
A research team has engineered “nanobodies” (fragments of antibodies) that can block the novel coronavirus from attaching to ACE2, the protein on human cells that the virus uses to enter these cells. Nanobodies are a relatively new type of medical therapy; the researchers suggest that they may be added to a combination of other antibodies to increase the overall effectiveness of the mixture in treating COVID.
Natural Structural and Molecular Biology
50
07/15/2020
Immunology
Deep immune profiling of COVID-19 patients reveals distinct immunotypes with therapeutic implications
A study examines the immune responses of COVID patients and finds three primary “immunotypes” that lead to particularly poor clinical outcomes. This result may explain the diverse clinical course of these patients and help create more individualized approaches to therapy.
Science
51
07/15/2020
Immunology
SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell immunity in cases of COVID-19 and SARS, and uninfected controls
A study shows that recovered COVID patients have T cells (immune cells that can help fight off infections) targeted against the novel coronavirus. Interestingly, the research team also found T cells against the novel coronavirus in many people who didn’t have a history of COVID. The researchers suggest that they may have developed these T cells due to exposure to other strains of coronavirus. Studies are needed to determine how well these T cells convey immunity against COVID
Nature
52
07/16/2020
Contact Tracing, Epidemiology
Impact of delays on effectiveness of contact tracing strategies for COVID-19: a modelling study
A study using a model shows that minimizing delays in testing and contact tracing has a large impact in reducing COVID transmission. In an ideal situation with no testing delay and widespread contact tracing using an app-based method technology can potentially prevent 80% of transmissions.
Lancet
53
Contact Tracing, Epidemiology
Contact Tracing during Coronavirus Disease Outbreak, South Korea, 2020
CDC article on epidemiology of COVID in South Korea. Lots of children data. 10-19 highest risk of transmission to their contacts. —-An analysis of 60,000 contacts of 5,700 COVID patients in South Korea finds that 11.8% of household contacts were infected, while 2% of non-household contacts were infected. This result is similar to those of earlier studies demonstrating an approximately 10% infection rate for household contacts in the United States. But it is lower than reports from China, France, and Hong Kong, which all found infection rates of close contacts to be around 35%. The researchers suggest that variations in infection rates are likely due to differences in household residential patterns and region-specific COVID containment strategies.
CDC, Emerging Infectious Diseases
54
07/14/2020
OB/GYN, Pathophysiology
Transplacental transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection
A study reports a confirmed case of COVID transmission from a mother infected during late pregnancy to her newborn (transplacental transmission). The newborn exhibited several neurological symptoms. Previously, there have been very few reports of confirmed or well-described cases of transplacental transmission, which is still considered to be quite rare.
Nature Communications
55
07/17/2020
Therapeutics
Dexamethasone in Hospitalized Patients with Covid-19 — Preliminary Report
A randomized controlled trial shows that dexamethasone treatment was able to reduce mortality within 28 days in hospitalized COVID patients who were also receiving either mechanical ventilation or oxygen support, but not in patients receiving no respiratory support.
NEJM
56
07/14/2020
Immunology
Single-cell sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells 2 reveals distinct immune response landscapes of COVID-19
A study presents a comprehensive “map” of the white blood cell immune response in COVID patients. This map can help with future explorations of new therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers aimed at the COVID-associated inflammatory response.
Immunity
57
Transmission
The Infectious Nature of Patient-Generated SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol
A pre-peer reviewed study reports evidence of aerosol transmission of the novel coronavirus. The viruses recovered from aerosol droplets (produced by COVID patients coughing, talking, and breathing) are able to replicate. It is still unclear how much aerosol transmission contributes to the overall spread of COVID.
58
07/20/2020
Vaccine
Immunogenicity and safety of a recombinant adenovirus type-5-vectored COVID-19 vaccine in healthy adults aged 18 years or older: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial
Two studies (one from Oxford University and the other from China) report the results of randomized controlled trials of COVID vaccines. Both find their vaccines to be safe and able to generate antibodies against the coronavirus. Both vaccines are viral vector vaccines (vaccines that reprogram viruses to produce coronavirus fragments against which the human body can generate antibodies). Further research is needed to assess how effective the antibodies created by these vaccines are at protecting against COVID.
Lancet
59
07/20/2020
Vaccine
Safety and immunogenicity of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2: a preliminary report of a phase 1/2, single-blind, randomised controlled trial
Lancet
60
07/21/2020
Immunology
Seroprevalence of Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in 10 Sites in the United States, March 23-May 12, 2020
JAMA
61
07/21/2020
Immunology
Rapid Decay of Anti–SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Persons with Mild Covid-19
A study describes how levels of antibody against the novel coronavirus can rapidly decrease within a few months in patients who recover from mild COVID infections. This result raises questions about the validity of natural herd immunity and “immunity passports,” as well as the long term protective effects of vaccines.
NEJM
62
Transmission
Estimating the overdispersion in COVID-19 transmission using outbreak sizes outside China [version 3; peer review: 2 approved]
A study modeling outbreak sizes in various countries suggests that up to 80% of secondary COVID transmissions may be caused by a relatively low proportion (~10%) of infected individuals (super-spreaders). Interventions against COVID should include measures curbing situations that facilitate super-spreading.
63
07/22/2020
Immunology
Potent neutralizing antibodies directed to multiple epitopes on SARS-CoV-2 spike
A research group reports 19 new antibodies against the novel coronavirus (isolated from recovered COVID patients), nine of which at low concentrations can strongly neutralize the coronavirus. These isolated antibodies, however, still need to be validated as therapeutic agents in humans.
Nature
64
06/02/2020
Immunology
Cross-reactive Antibody Response between SARSCoV-2 and SARS-CoV Infections
A study examines antibodies from patients who recovered either from SARS or COVID (both caused by similar coronaviruses), and finds that many antibodies against the SARS virus can bind to the COVID virus, and vice versa. However, a large majority of these cross-reacting antibodies do not neutralize the targeted virus. These results have implications for vaccine design, since elicited antibodies need to both bind to and neutralize the novel coronavirus.
Cell Reports
65
07/18/2020
Therapeutics
Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study Shows Early Interferon Therapy Is Associated with Favorable Clinical Responses in COVID-19 Patients
A study finds that the timing of interferon treatment (molecules that can help the body mount immune responses against the coronavirus) among COVID patients affects patients’ outcomes. Early treatment is associated with reduced mortality, while late treatment is associated with delayed recovery and increased mortality.
Cell Host & Microbe
66
07/23/2020
OB/GYN, Pathophysiology
Management of mother–newborn dyads in the COVID-19 era
Breast feeding neonates is safe.
Lancet
67
07/23/2020
Therapeutics
Hydroxychloroquine with or without Azithromycin in Mild-to-Moderate Covid-19
A randomized controlled trial involving hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID infections finds that hydroxychloroquine treatment, either with or without azithromycin (an antibiotic that has been used to treat COVID due in part to the drug’s anti-inflammatory effects), does not improve the clinical status of these patients. These results further support the broad consensus that hydroxychloroquine should not be continued as an experimental treatment for COVID.
NEJM
68
06/01/2020
Therapeutics
Corticosteroid Administration Is Associated With Improved Outcome in Patients With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2-Related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
A study finds that corticosteroid may be able to significantly improve symptoms in mechanically-ventilated COVID patients with acute respiratory distress. Overall, current research shows that steroid therapies have the most benefit in COVID patients who are critically ill
Critical Care Explorations
69
08/20/2020
Pathophysiology
Tracking Changes in SARS-CoV-2 Spike: Evidence that D614G Increases Infectivity of the COVID19 Virus
A study finds that one particular mutant strain of the novel coronavirus (the G614 mutation) has rapidly become the dominant strain in circulation. Compared to the original strain isolated from Wuhan, China, this mutant is associated with higher viral loads and viral shedding in infected patients
Cell
70
07/22/2020
Pathophysiology, Genetics
SARS-CoV-2 genomic variations associated with mortality rate of COVID-19
A study analyzed 1,234 distinct mutations in the genetic material of the novel coronavirus, finding that certain mutations are strongly linked to higher mortality. The study also finds that genetic variations in human leukocyte antigens (proteins normally found on the surface of our cells that help direct immune responses) affect mortality rates. These findings may help explain the differences in fatality rates in populations around the world
Journal of Human Genetics
71
07/16/2020
Immunology
Convalescent plasma treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection: analysis of the first 436 donors in England, 22 April to 12 May 2020
A study of COVID patients in England finds that of laboratory-confirmed cases, 88% had antibodies that could neutralize the novel coronavirus. But antibodies significantly declined within three months after the diagnosis. This result has implications for both the timing of collecting plasma from recovered patients for antibody therapies, as well as for vaccine development
Eurosurveillance
72
07/20/2020
Immunology
Comparison of viral levels in individuals with or without symptoms at time of COVID-19 testing among 32,480 residents and staff of nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Massachusetts.
A pre-peer reviewed study of 32.5k residents and staff of nursing homes and assisted living facilities who tested positive for COVID finds that viral loads were similar between people with and without symptoms. Of those who tested positive, 70% of residents and 92% of staff had no symptoms at the time of testing. This study is the largest so far to look at viral loads in asymptomatic COVID patients.
BMJ
73
07/24/2020
Therapeutics
Discovery of SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drugs through large-scale compound repurposing
A study analyzed 12,000 molecular drugs that are already FDA-approved or in advanced stages of clinical trials, and identifies at least 13 that demonstrate strong antiviral effects against the novel coronavirus. Since these drugs already have relatively known mechanisms of action and safety profiles in humans, similar drug-repurposing studies can open doors to rapid testing of new therapies for COVID
Nature
74
07/24/2020
Therapeutics
Identification of high-affinity inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease: Towards the development of effective COVID-19 therapy
A research team has identified two potential drugs against the novel coronavirus that target the virus’ proteases. Proteases are viral proteins that help the virus process new proteins being made during viral replication
Virus Research
75
07/01/2020
Therapeutics
Discovery of Synergistic and Antagonistic Drug Combinations against SARS-CoV-2 In Vitro
A study using computational modeling finds that combinations of many existing drugs have either synergistic or antagonistic effects on the novel coronavirus. For example, the combination of remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine (two drugs that have been widely tested in COVID patients to varying results) demonstrated strong antagonism. (The two drugs may cancel out each other’s positive effects). This study highlights the possibility of repurposing existing drugs for treating COVID, as well as the prospects and limitations of different drug combinations
bioRxiv
76
07/24/2020
Epidemiology
Estimated County-Level Prevalence of Selected Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with Increased Risk for Severe COVID-19 Illness — United States, 2018
A county-level study in the U.S. finds that the average prevalence of any of the five underlying medical conditions that increase risk for severe COVID (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and obesity) is 47%. Rural counties had significantly higher prevalences of these conditions. These estimates can be combined with data on local hospitalization, ICU admissions, and ventilator use among COVID patients to help counties plan for appropriate resource utilization.
CDC MMWR
77
07/29/2020
Pediatrics, Epidemiology
What Do We Know About Children and Coronavirus Transmission?
Taken together, the evidence indicates that while children are much less likely than adults to become severely ill from COVID-19, they do transmit virus. It is still unclear to what extent children, especially younger ones, are likely to get infected or transmit the infection to others compared to adults. However, where there is already widespread community transmission, as is the case in many areas in the U.S., there is clearly a risk of spread associated with reopening schools. This challenge may be more pronounced where testing and contact tracing capacity is limited. As such, the risk of re-opening schools needs to be considered carefully in light of the recognized benefits of in-person education.
KFF
78
07/29/2020
Pathophysiology
The four horsemen of a viral Apocalypse: The pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19)
Lancet
79
07/29/2020
Immunology
SARS-CoV-2-reactive T cells in healthy donors and patients with COVID-19
This study that suggests that some people who haven't had COVID might already have some immunity, based on reactive T cells in their blood. T cells are part of the immune system and help protect the body from infection. The reactivity suggests that the immune system might have had some previous experience fighting a similar infection and may use that memory to help fight a new infection. Reminder: SARS-CoV-2 is the seventh human coronavirus that has been discovered, and four of the human coronaviruses are responsible for 25% of our common colds.
Nature
80
07/31/2020
Pathophysiology
Non-neuronal expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry genes in the olfactory system suggests mechanisms underlying COVID-19-associated anosmia
A study finds that loss or change of smell in COVID patients may be a result of infection by the novel coronavirus into non-neuronal cells in the olfactory bulb (the structure above the nasal cavity that is responsible for detecting smell). This finding disputes the previously widely-accepted hypothesis that the virus causes change of smell by directly infecting the nerve cells of the olfactory bulb.
Science Advances
81
07/29/2020
Immunology
SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among parturient women in Philadelphia
A study among pregnant women in Philadelphia finds that 6.2% had antibodies against the novel coronavirus (indicating recent exposure to the virus). The researchers speculate that this above-average prevalence may be due to the regular interaction with medical professionals these women must maintain during the pandemic. Notably, black and hispanic women had significantly higher antibody prevalence rates.
Science Immunology
82
07/29/2020
Pediatrics
Association Between Statewide School Closure and COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality in the US
A study finds that school closures in the U.S. from March to May were correlated with reductions in incidence of COVID and deaths related to COVID. The researchers note, however, that this reduction may be due to other concurrent non-pharmaceutical interventions (for example, social distancing and masking mandates). Overall, current evidence regarding COVID transmission among children and from children to adults is still mixed.
JAMA
83
07/23/2020
Therapeutics
Drug treatments for covid-19: living systematic review and network meta-analysis
A study comprehensively summarizes the evidence of currently tested COVID therapies (as of July 20), and finds that the effectiveness of most treatments is still uncertain because most of the randomized controlled trials so far have been small and have important study limitations. Notably, glucocorticoids (steroids) have the strongest evidence for decreasing mortality, but this conclusion is mostly drawn from one published trial.
BMJ
84
07/30/2020
Pediatrics
Age-related differences in nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 levels in patients with COVID-19
A study finds that children younger than 5 years with mild to moderate COVID have similar or higher amounts of novel coronavirus RNA in their nasopharynx compared with older children and adults with similar disease severities. The researchers note, however, that while this suggests that children may play a role in spreading COVID, data has not definitively proved this yet
JAMA Pediatrics
85
07/31/2020
Theraputics
Risk of severe COVID-19 disease with ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers: cohort study including 8.3 million people
A study analyzing data of more than 8 million patients among the general population finds that those who were being treated with ACE inhibitors (a common medication for high blood pressure) had significantly lower risk of getting COVID. Previously, there were some concerns that ACE inhibitors could actually lead to higher risk of COVID, since the medication can increase expression of ACE on human cells. (ACE is the protein that the virus uses to invade cells.) The authors do not describe the mechanisms involved in the protective effects of ACE inhibitors.
BMJ
86
07/30/2020
Testing
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in nasal swabs using MALDI-MS
A research team has devised a new way to test for COVID by combining mass spectrometry (a method of identifying molecules by ionizing them and measuring their masses) and machine learning analysis. The researchers report high accuracy with this testing approach, which is cheaper, quicker, and more available than PCR (the current standard for COVID testing), especially in many developing countries.
Nature Biotechnology
87
08/03/2020
Pediatrics
Determining the optimal strategy for reopening schools, the impact of test and trace interventions, and the risk of occurrence of a second COVID-19 epidemic wave in the UK: a modelling study
"The easing of restrictions and the reopening of schools is the focus of the study by Jasmina Panovska-Griffiths and colleagues also published in the journal.8 They fitted an agent-based model to UK-specific data and assessed a number of policies for easing lockdown, including three different test, trace, and isolate (TTI) options and two ways to reopen schools in September; either fully or partially, in which half the children attend school on alternate weeks. Reopening of schools is assumed to increase work-related contacts in adults and is accompanied by an increase in other contacts because of wider lifting of restrictions. Panovska-Griffiths and colleagues found that reopening schools (even partially) and the accompanying return to more normal contacts is likely to lead to a second wave of infections, unless testing is scaled up significantly. Unfortunately, it is not clear from their analysis whether the increase in cases that occurs when schools are reopened in the model is due to increased contact between children or increased contact between adults who can now return to work and leisure activities." quoted from sumary article #89
Lancet
88
08/03/0202
Pediatrics
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Australian educational settings: a prospective cohort study
"Kristine Macartney and colleagues3 did a detailed study of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission in schools and early childhood education and care facilities in New South Wales, Australia, during the early part of the epidemic.3 During much of this period, educational facilities were formally open, although attendance rates dropped precipitously in schools in mid to late March, 2020, when distance learning was implemented. Macartney and colleagues focused on the paediatric and adult population who had attended a school or early childhood education and care facility while infectious (defined as 24 h before symptom onset). 27 primary cases were identified (56% staff). 1448 close contacts were identified. Nearly half of these close contacts were tested virologically or serologically, yet only 18 secondary cases were identified. These very low rates of infection need to be interpreted with caution, because mitigation measures were in place: most educational facilities were closed briefly after case identification, and close contacts were expected to home quarantine for 14 days" from summary article #89
Lancet
89
08/03/2020
Pediatrics
Finding a path to reopen schools during the COVID-19 pandemic
Summary article of articles 87,88,90-92 as well as other international examples.
Lancet
90
05/28/2020
Pediatrics
No evidence of secondary transmission of COVID-19 from children attending school in Ireland, 2020
As many countries begin to lift some of the restrictions to contain COVID-19 spread, lack of evidence of transmission in the school setting remains. We examined Irish notifications of SARS-CoV2 in the school setting before school closures on 12 March 2020 and identified no paediatric transmission. This adds to current evidence that children do not appear to be drivers of transmission, and we argue that reopening schools should be considered safe accompanied by certain measures.
Eurosurveillance
91
04/23/2020
Pediatrics
Cluster of COVID-19 in northern France: A retrospective closed cohort study
an outbreak centred in a high school in northern France.5 Infection attack rates were high in students (aged 14–18 years) and staff (38% and 49%, respectively), and much lower among parents and siblings (11% and 10%, respectively) suggesting that infection was concentrated within the school environment.
BMJ medRxiv
92
06/29/2020
Pediatrics
SARS-CoV-2 infection in primary schools in northern France: A retrospective cohort study in an area of high transmission
A follow-up study to #91, in local primary schools revealed much lower infection rates (6–12%) among staff, students and family members, and no convincing evidence of any secondary transmission within schools. The contrast between the infection rates in the secondary and primary schools might turn out to be important.
BMJ medRxiv
93
07/30/2020
Genetics
Association between ABO blood groups and COVID-19 infection, severity and demise: A systematic review and meta-analysis
The first meta-analysis (a study that analyzes previously published studies) on the relationship between blood type and COVID finds that overall, type A blood is related to higher risk of getting COVID, while type O blood is related to lower risk. The study finds no relationship, however, between blood type and COVID severity of mortality rate
Infection, Genetics and Evolution
94
08/03/2020
Immunology
Immune complement and coagulation dysfunction in adverse outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection
A study finds that the problems with blood clots seen in COVID infections may be associated with specific issues in regulation of the complement system (a component of the human immune system that helps initiate inflammatory responses), and that these issues are strongly linked to genetic variations. Blood clots are one of the strongest predictors for severe COVID disease and death from COVID
Nature Medicine
95
07/30/2020
Epidemiology
Incidence of co-infections and superinfections in hospitalised patients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study
A study suggests that co-infections in COVID patients at the time of diagnosis are uncommon. COVID patients who are hospitalized are also unlikely to develop superinfections (for example, a bacterial infection superimposed on COVID). These findings are different from the findings during previous viral pandemics (when co-infections were more common), and suggest that hospitals should consider limiting the use of empiric antibiotic treatments (giving patients antibiotics before any bacterial infection is confirmed).
Clinical Microbiology and Infection
96
08/04/2020
Informatics
SeroTracker: a global SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence dashboard
A research team has built a digital COVID seroprevalence (antibody prevalence) tracker that regularly updates by monitoring worldwide seroprevalence studies.
Lancet
97
08/04/2020
Pediatrics
COVID-19 and preschool wheeze care: lessons learned
Since March, 2020, visits to the emergency department by children younger than 5 years with preschool wheeze and other respiratory conditions have decreased, disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A Spotlight published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine highlights that these sudden changes to health-care seeking behaviour offer a rare opportunity to redesign and improve health care for children with preschool wheeze.
Lancet
98
08/03/2020
Pathophisiology
Cerebral Micro-Structural Changes in COVID-19 Patients – An MRI-based 3-month Follow-up Study
A study finds that many patients who recover from COVID have evidence of damage to structural and functional brain integrity, according to brain imaging. The researchers suggest that even patients who recover well from the respiratory symptoms of COVID should be followed to evaluate for possible neurological changes in the long term.
Lancet
99
08/05/2020
Vaccine
SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine design enabled by prototype pathogen preparedness
A study reports an mRNA vaccine (a vaccine involving RNA that can create viral components in the human body to elicit an antibody response) that is effective in neutralizing the novel coronavirus. This vaccine is currency in Phase 3 trial, and is also effective against the D614G mutant strain, which has recently become one of the most dominant strains of the virus in the world.
Nature
100
Transmission
Clinical Course and Molecular Viral Shedding Among Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Community Treatment Center in the Republic of Korea
A study of isolated symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID patients further supports the finding that viral loads are similar in both groups of patients. The researchers suggest that isolating asymptomatic patients may be necessary to control the spread of the novel coronavirus.
JAMA
101
08/07/2020
Transmission
Transmission dynamics of SARS‐CoV‐2 within families with children in Greece: a study of 23 clusters
A study of COVID cases among families with children finds no evidence of transmission from children to adults. Other recent studies have reported child-to-adult transmission. While it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions yet, children appear to transmit COVID with significantly less frequency than adults do.
Journal of Medical Virology
102
08/08/2020
Pathophisiology
Cerebrospinal fluid features in SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive patients
A study analyzed the cerebrospinal fluid (fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord) of COVID patients with neurological symptoms, and found no evidence of direct viral invasion of the central nervous system. The researchers suggest that the neurological symptoms of COVID patients are due to systemic inflammation and damage to the blood vessels in the brain.
Clinical Infectious Diseases
103
08/05/2020
Contact Tracing, Epidemiology
Cluster infections play important roles in the rapid evolution of COVID-19 transmission: a systematic review
A survey of reported COVID outbreaks further supports the finding that cluster infections play a very large role in viral transmission. The study characterizes types of clusters, including families, hospital-based infections, transmission on transportations, shopping malls, religious gatherings, prisons, office spaces, and nursing homes. Interventions to control COVID should include physical distancing in these situations.
Internation Journal of Infectious Diseases
104
08/04/2020
Contact Tracing, Epidemiology
Viable SARS-CoV-2 in the air of a hospital room with COVID-19 patients
Coronavirus cultured from airborne particles captured up to 16 feet away from contagious patients. Proof that viral airborne particles can be infectious.
medRxiv
105
08/10/2020
Pediatrics, Pathophisiology
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19 in children in Pakistan
A study reports association between pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome and COVID-19. This includes 2 presentations of typical or atypical Kawasaki's disease and shock/low cardiac output.
Lancet
106
08/07/2020
Transmission
Low-cost measurement of facemask efficacy for filtering expelled droplets during speech
Gaiter / bandana type neck masks made of fleece may actually disperse the droplets therefore making them worse than no mask at all. Multi-layer cotton performed well, and surgical masks were excellent.
Science
107
08/06/2020
Vaccine, Genetics
Deep mutational scanning of SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain reveals
Using a computational model, a research team developed a database to characterize all possible mutations to the region of the protein in the novel coronavirus that binds to human cells. This database can be used to develop vaccines, as well as track and predict the effects of future mutations.
108
08/12/2020
Pathophisiology, Special Populations
Obesity and Mortality Among Patients Diagnosed With COVID-19: Results From an Integrated Health Care Organization
A study of nearly 7000 COVID patients finds that obesity is associated with 2-4 times greater risks of death, especially in patients under 60 years old. The study finds that obesity, even when considering other underlying health conditions, has a leading role in increasing risk of death from COVID.
Annals of Internal Medicine
109
08/12/2020
Pediatrics, Epidemiology, Transmission
COVID-19 in children: analysis of the first pandemic peak in England
A large study of over half a million people in England who were tested for COVID found that children make up only around 1% of cases, despite the large numbers of children who were tested. This study provides more evidence that children are less susceptible to COVID and may play a lesser role in COVID transmission.
BMJ
110
03/06/2020
Contact tracing, Epidemiology
Validity of wrist and forehead temperature in temperature screening in the general population during the outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus: a prospective real world study
Wrist vs Forehead temperature with contactless thermometers were tested against tympanic temperature. Each was tested outdoors, after cycling, walking, driving, and riding in a vehicle as well as indoors. No comparison was made to oral temperatures. Findings were: Wrist and Forehead temperatures were comparable through the 95% confidence interval was smaller for wrist temperature when taken outdoors. Indoors, the forehead temperature performed slightly better. Conclusion: "Wrist measurement is more stable than forehead measurement under different circumstance. Both measurements have great fever screening abilities for indoor patients. The cut-off value of both measurements was 36.2C."
medrxiv
111
08/16/2020
Transmission, Pediatrics, Epidemiology
Role of children in household transmission of COVID-19
A study finds that earlier data collected on pediatric transmission in Korea may have overestimated transmission rates from pediatric patients to other individuals. The study suggests that a potential reason for these findings may have to do with increased safety precautions taken by the population.
BMJ
112
08/04/2020
Testing
SalivaDirect: Simple and sensitive molecular diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance
A study overviews the validity of saliva based testing by SalivaDirect which is poised to serve as an easily accessible and cost effective tool for COVID-19 testing. The study details how SalivaDirect can serve to provide accurate testing that can aid in alleviating supply demands. This includes an overview of the non-invasive manner in which the test is performed by individuals who don't necessarily have to be health care professionals.
medrxiv
113
08/13/2020
Testing, Genetics
A high-throughput neutralizing antibody assay for COVID-19 diagnosis and vaccine evaluation
A research team has developed a new fluorescence-based test to detect antibodies in people that can neutralize the novel coronavirus. The accuracy of this test is comparable to current gold standard tests, but it can be performed at a faster rate. The test can help assess potential COVID immunity in both recovered patients as well as people who have received COVID vaccines.
Nature
114
08/11/2020
Pediatrics, Special Populations
Association Between Youth Smoking, Electronic Cigarette Use, and Coronavirus Disease 2019
A survey of people between the ages of 13-24 finds that the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes leads to greater risk of COVID. People who reported ever having used e-cigarettes were five times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID, and people who reported having used e-cigarettes and cigarettes were almost seven times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID.
Journal of Adolescent Health
115
08/17/2020
Genetics, Immunology
ORF8 and ORF3b antibodies are accurate serological markers of early and late SARS-CoV-2 infection
A study of COVID patients finds specific antibodies that can indicate where the patients are in their infection course. These results may be used to develop tests that reveal roughly when a person was infected.
Narure
116
08/17/2020
Pathophisiology
SARS-CoV-2 renal tropism associates with acute kidney injury
A study reports definitive findings that the novel coronavirus can invade the kidney of COVID patients. Autopsies show that infection of the kidney by the virus can lead to acute kidney injury and is correlated with more severe disease.
Lancet
117
08/13/2020
Pathophisiology
Associations of type 1 and type 2 diabetes with COVID-19-related mortality in England: a whole-population study
Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 DM who contracted COVID-19 fared worse than those without diabetes, in England. Each is considered an independent risk factor.
Lancet
118
08/13/2020
Testing
SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing of skin for COVID-19 diagnostics: a case report
A case report of a patient who's skin biopsy of a rash tested positive for COVID even though their nasal swabs and antibody tests were negative. This highlights the shortcoming of the current testing methods which often produce false negatives.
Lancet
119
08/17/2020
Pathophisiology, Pediatrics
COVID-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and adolescents
Overview of multisystem inflammatory syndrome as a result of COVID-19. Also details epidemiology, causes, pathophisiology, and treatment.
Lancet
120
08/18/2020
Genetics
Effects of a major deletion in the SARS-CoV-2 genome on the severity of infection and the inflammatory response: an observational cohort study
A study reports that a specific strain of the novel coronavirus that has a major deletion mutation (a mutation in which segments of the viral genetic material is missing) is associated with milder COVID cases. This strain has been reported in outbreaks in many parts of Asia. Understanding how these mutations affect viruses can help with vaccine and treatment development.
Lancet
121
08/15/2020
Treatment
Revealing the targets and mechanisms of vitamin A in the treatment of COVID-19
A study suggests that vitamin A may be used to treat severe COVID by decreasing various molecules that lead to inflammation and altering the production of proteins involved in immune responses.
Aging
122
08/14/2020
Immunology, Treatment
Neutralizing antibodies correlate with protection from SARS-CoV-2 in humans during a fishery vessel outbreak with high attack rate
Provides promising evidence that antibodies may be protective, though it is based on only a small number of sailors with antibodies.
medrxiv
123
08/19/2020
Contact tracing, Informatics
Automated and partly automated contact tracing: a systematic review to inform the control of COVID-19
A study reviews evidence for automated contact tracing and finds that, so far, current efforts haven’t been effective in reducing transmission. Models suggest that a large proportion of a population will need to use contact-tracing apps for them to work at all, and the researchers suggest that, for now, we will still need to rely on manual contract tracing.
Lancet
124
08/14/2020
Immunology
Loss of Bcl-6-expressing T follicular helper cells and germinal centers in COVID-19
A study examines lymph nodes from COVID patients and finds a striking absence of germinal centers (an indicator of the growth of immune cells that make antibodies). This results suggests an explanation of why the novel coronavirus does not induce production of long-term antibodies. It also implies that herd immunity through natural infection might be hard to achieve.
Cell
125
08/20/2020
Pediatrics, Pathophisiology
Clinical trials of disease stages in COVID 19: complicated and often misinterpreted
An unfortunate case report of a healthy 11 yo who died of covid. Found to have coronavirus in heart tissue on autopsy.
Lancet
126
Epidemiology
COVID-19 re-infection by a phylogenetically distinct SARS-coronavirus-2 strain
Presents the case of a man in Hong Kong with documented re-infection with SARS-CoV-2. The first proven case of someone getting the disease twice. Second infection was genetically mutated, and the person was asymptomatic.
0
127
08/19/2020
Pediatrics, Special Populations
Evaluation for SARS-CoV-2 in Breast Milk From 18 Infected Women
A study finds that the breast milk of COVID-positive women does not have replicating virus, and thus is unlikely to be a source of transmission to infants.
JAMA
128
08/21/2020
Epidemiology
Estimating unobserved SARS-CoV-2 infections in the United States
A study uses mathematical modelling to estimate that by mid-March, the number of unaccounted COVID cases had likely reached hundreds of thousands, and possibly even over a million. The lack of adequate testing was the biggest driver of these numbers.
PNAS
129
08/24/2020
Pathophisiology
An inflammatory cytokine signature predicts COVID-19 severity and survival
A study finds that levels of two inflammatory markers, IL-6 and TNF-α, when measured at the time of hospital admission, are the most significant predictors of COVID severity and mortality (when considered with other inflammatory markers and patient risk factors). The authors suggest these two markers can be used to anticipate treatment of COVID patients and guide patient selection for clinical trials.
Nature
130
08/21/2020
Immunology
Broad host range of SARS-CoV-2 predicted by comparative and structural analysis of ACE2 in vertebrates
A study identifies various mammals that are susceptible to COVID, based on analyses of these animals’ ACE2 protein (the protein on host cells that the virus uses to invade these cells). The authors suggest that these findings may have implications for animals as reservoirs of the novel coronavirus.
PNAS
131
05/07/2020
Immunology, Pathophysiology, Genetics
Immune mechanisms of pulmonary intravascular coagulopathy in COVID-19 pneumonia
A study reviews the mechanisms behind the large number of blood clots that occur in the lungs of COVID patients, and how these clots stress the heart and cause cardiac injury. The authors point out that clotting may explain why certain conditions (e.g. male gender, high blood pressure, and obesity, all of which are conditions that normally increase risks of blood clots) lead to more severe COVID infections.
Lancet
132
08/25/2020
Transmission
Two metres or one: what is the evidence for physical distancing in covid-19?
An article discusses evidence of the “six feet rule” of social distancing, and suggests that a better way to socially distance would be to use a graded recommendation that takes into account the number of people in a space, degree of ventilation, masking, and amount of time spent with people, among other factors.
BMJ
133
08/26/2020
Epidemiology, Testing, Pathophisiology
Population-scale longitudinal mapping of COVID-19 symptoms, behaviour and testing
A study uses a mobile app to analyze COVID symptoms and COVID-related behaviors in more than 500,000 users. They find that information about household and community exposure, in addition to self-reported symptoms, are crucial to identifying infected people. They also find a wide variety in compliance with public health measures such as stay-at-home orders and social distancing, which strongly affect the pattern of viral transmission
Nature
134
08/22/2020
Genetics
A genetic barcode of SARS-CoV-2 for monitoring global distribution of different clades during the COVID-19 pandemic
A study identifies 11 specific mutations in the novel coronavirus that can serve as “barcodes” for the five major strains currently circulating worldwide. These barcodes can be used to monitor the distribution and evolution of these strains and may have implications for the development of vaccines.
International Journal of Infectious Diseases
135
08/31/2020
Immunology, Contact Tracing, Epidemiology
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Among Frontline Health Care Personnel in a
A study by the CDC reports that among healthcare workers in the U.S., 6% have antibodies against the novel coronavirus, meaning that they have been infected by the virus. However, 69% had not previously had an official diagnosis of COVID. This result implies that a high proportion of COVID cases among healthcare workers go undetected.
136
08/25/2020
Immunology
Robust T cell response towards spike, membrane, and nucleocapsid SARS-CoV-2
A study finds that immune T cell responses against the novel coronavirus are similar in critically ill and mildly symptomatic COVID patients. This finding appears to refute the theory that insufficient immune cell reaction leads to more severe COVID cases
137
08/31/2020
Testing
Rapid isothermal amplification and portable detection system for SARS-CoV-2
0
138
08/26/2020
Epidemiology, Contatc Tracing
Temporal detection and phylogenetic assessment of SARS-CoV-2 in municipal
A study examined untreated water samples from the municipal wastewater treatment plant in Bozeman, Montana over 74 days, and found that levels of novel coronavirus genetic material corresponds with prevalence of reported COVID symptoms in the community. This result suggests that wastewater monitoring may be a way to provide real-time tracking of local viral prevalence.
139
09/04/2020
Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines: early success and remaining challenges
Phase 1/2 data on the Russia approved adenovirus vaccine.
Lancet
140
09/02/2020
Pathophisiology, Testing
Temporal profile and determinants of viral shedding and of viral clearance confirmation on nasopharyngeal swabs from SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects: a population-based prospective cohort study in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
A study of recovered COVID patients finds that it takes an average of 36 days from when COVID symptoms first appear for the virus to clear the patient (determined by a negative PCR test, which detects viral genetic material). Older age and more severe symptoms are associated with longer time until viral clearance. Current research is still unclear about the potential for recovered patients to spread COVID before viral clearance.
BMJ
141
09/01/2020
Epidemiology, Contact Tracing
Community Outbreak Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Among Bus Riders in Eastern China
A study reports of an instance of COVID transmission on a bus. By analyzing the distribution of infected people on the bus and the airflow on the bus, the authors suggest that the virus could have spread by airborne transmission, possibly through the indoor recirculating air conditioning system.
JAMA
142
08/24/2020
Theraputics
Effect of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitors in Patients with COVID-19: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 28,872 Patients
notes that taking a class of blood pressure medications - ACE inhibitors or ARBs - is actually protective against severe COVID. There is no association with worse outcome and the benefit ratio is around 0.67.
Springer
143
09/04/2020
Therapeutics
Azithromycin in addition to standard of care versus standard of care alone in the treatment of patients admitted to the hospital with severe COVID-19 in Brazil (COALITION II): a randomised clinical trial
A study that explores the impact Azithromycin has on patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms that have been hospitalized. This was in addition to the standard care given to the patients.
Lancet
144
09/04/2020
Therapeutics
Azithromycin for severe COVID-19
Study exploring the impact Azithromycin has on patients already being treated for COVID-19
Lancet
145
09/07/2020
Genetics, Vaccine, Immunology
Linear epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein elicit neutralizing antibodies in COVID-19 patients
A study identifies three specific locations, or epitopes, on the novel coronavirus spike protein (the viral molecule that the virus uses to invade host cells) that can cause our bodies to produce strong neutralizing antibodies against the virus. By using combinations of these epitopes, scientists may be able to create more effective vaccines to minimize the chance of the virus gaining resistance through mutations.
Nature
146
09/03/2020
Immunology, Pathophysiology
COVID-19-activated SREBP2 disturbs cholesterol biosynthesis and leads to cytokine storm
A study reports that COVID activates a human protein, SREBP2, which normally regulates cholesterol production and inflammation. This study is the first to report the involvement of SREBP2 in COVID-related inflammation. The researchers suggest that inhibitors of SREBP2 can be explored as a new type of therapy against COVID.
Nature
147
09/08/2020
Immunology, Therapeutics
Convalescent plasma in the management of moderate COVID-19 in India: An open-label parallel-arm phase II multicentre randomized controlled trial (PLACID Trial)
A pre-peer reviewed study of convalescent plasma therapy (taking antibodies against the coronavirus from recovered COVID patients and giving them to infected people) across 39 hospitals in India and involving 464 COVID patients finds that plasma therapy does not reduce mortality or progression to severe COVID. Studies on convalescent plasma therapy have had mixed results so far.
medrxiv
148
09/08/2020
Immunology, Genetics
In vivo antiviral host transcriptional response to SARS-CoV-2 by viral load, sex, and age
A study finds significant differences in the antiviral interferon immune responses generated by males and females and in individuals of different ages in response to novel coronavirus infection. The researchers suggest that these differences may explain the worse COVID outcomes in males and in the elderly.
PLOSBiology
149
09/08/2020
Informatics
Demographic perspectives on the mortality of COVID-19 and other epidemics
A study projects the effects of 1-million COVID deaths in America on population dynamics. 1-million American deaths would cause life expectancy in 2020 to decrease by 2.9 years, and those dying would lose an average of 11.7 years of expected remaining life.
PNAS
150
09/09/2020
Genetics, Immunology, Pathophysiology
De novo design of picomolar SARS-CoV-2 miniprotein inhibitors
A research team has developed a method for designing “miniproteins” that can prevent the virus from invading human cells by inhibiting the novel coronavirus spike protein, which is a protein on the surface of the virus that helps it enter host cells. These miniproteins are not based on previously known antibodies, but rather are based on human proteins that the spike protein normally binds to.
Science
151
09/03/2020
Genetics, Pathophysiology
A Single-Cell RNA Expression Map of Human Coronavirus Entry Factors
A study creates a “map” of human organs, showing which type of cells the novel coronavirus is most likely to invade. The map is able to explain many COVID symptoms (such as kidney and brain injuries), and can help us better understand how to stop the virus from infecting specific types of cells.
Cell
152
09/10/2020
Immunology
A comprehensive, longitudinal analysis of humoral responses specific to four recombinant antigens of SARS-CoV-2 in severe and non-severe COVID-19 patients
Humans exposed to the novel coronavirus can create antibodies against different proteins in the virus. A study finds that antibodies against certain proteins are more effective at neutralizing the virus. Patients who experience different severities of COVID also create antibodies against different sets of viral proteins.
PLOS
153
09/14/2020
Pediatrics, Epidemiology
Frequency of Children vs Adults Carrying Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Asymptomatically
A study from Italy tested patients who went to the emergency room without COVID-related symptoms, and finds that there is a much lower rate of asymptomatic carriers of the novel coronavirus among children than among adults. The researchers suggest this might mean that asymptomatic children with COVID do not play a large role in further spreading the disease.
JAMA
154
09/14/2020
Immunology
Seasonal coronavirus protective immunity is short-lasting
A study analyzed immune responses in people infected with four seasonal strains of coronaviruses related to the novel coronavirus, and finds that reinfections with the same strain are common, indicating that antibodies against these coronaviruses do not last long. The researchers suggest this result implies that antibodies against COVID from either vaccinations or past infections may not last long-term.
Nature
155
08/27/2020
Pathophysiology, Testing
Can CT performed in the early disease phase predict outcome of patients with COVID 19 pneumonia? Analysis of a cohort of 64 patients from Germany
A study finds that CT scans of the lungs of COVID patients early on in the disease can reliably predict how severe the disease will be. In the paper, the researchers describe specific signs on lung images that have various predictive values.
European Journal of Radiology
156
09/09/2020
Genetics, Pathophysiology
Structural and Functional Analysis of the D614G SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Variant
A study shows how a specific mutation, D614G, in the genetic material of the novel coronavirus makes the virus more infectious. The researchers find that this mutation causes a change in the shape of the viral spike protein, which makes it easier for the virus to invade human cells. Coronaviruses with this mutation have overtaken the original strain as the dominant strain being transmitted worldwide.
Cell
157
10/01/2020
Genetics
A case of probable Parkinson's disease after SARS-CoV-2 infection
A study reports a case involving a patient who developed Parkinson’s disease after getting COVID. It is unclear whether and how the novel coronavirus could have directly caused Parkinsons. But other viruses, such as the influenza virus, hepatitis C virus, HIV, and Epstein-Barr virus, have been documented to trigger the development of Parkison’s disease.
Lancet
158
09/15/2020
Special Populations
Characteristics of COVID-19 in Homeless Shelters
A study examined COVID cases in 14 homeless shelters and found that the rate of COVID was 2% among individuals in the shelters. Cases were clustered across five of the shelters. 72% of cases were asymptomatic, most were over age 60, and 86% of cases slept in communal spaces.
Annals of Internal Medicine
159
09/18/2020
Transmission
Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 During Long Flight
A study analyzed possible COVID transmission in a cluster of cases among passengers on a 10 hour plane flight, finding that those who sat in close proximity to symptomatic people were at highest risk of being infected. This result suggests that viral particles are unlikely to spread through aerosol transmission through ventilation systems on planes.
CDC
160
09/18/2020
Epidemiology, Transmission
Measurement of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater tracks community infection dynamics
0
and found that levels of viral particles correlate with local rates of COVID cases and hospital admissions. Viral particle levels in wastewater can predict new cases and hospital admissions from several days to a week in advance"
161
09/20/2020
Pathophisiology
Electrocardiograhic characteristics in patients with coronavirus infection: A single‐center observational study
Two studies discuss how electrocardiograms can be used to detect heart damage in patients admitted to the hospital for COVID and which patterns can predict worse outcomes. Electrocardiograms measure the conduction of electrical signals through heart tissue.
Wiley Online Library
162
09/20/2020
Pathophisiology
Electrocardiogram analysis of patients with different types of COVID‐19
0
163
09/21/2020
Genetics, Immunology
Low genetic diversity may be an Achilles heel of SARS-CoV-2
0
164
09/19/2020
Immunology
Evasion of Type I Interferon by SARS-CoV-2
0
165
09/21/2020
Special Populations, Pathophisiology. Genetics
Cellular senescence as a potential mediator of COVID‐19 severity in the elderly
0
166
09/22/2020
Pathophisiology
Patient Trajectories Among Persons Hospitalized for COVID-19
A study analyzed hospitalized COVID patients to determine factors on admission that are predictive of progression to severe disease and death, and found that older age, nursing home residence, obesity, and elevation of basic inflammatory markers in the blood are most predictive of disease severity. The researchers used these findings to create an interactive “inpatient risk calculator”
Annals of Internal Medicine
167
09/22/2020
Epidemiology, Race
Patterns of COVID-19 testing and mortality by race and ethnicity among United States veterans: A nationwide cohort study
A nationwide study of COVID prevalence and mortality among different ethnic groups finds that non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic people were twice as likely as non-Hispanic white people to test positive for COVID, even after accounting for other demographics, geographic location, and underlying health conditions. Among those who tested positive for COVID, there was no observed difference in 30-day mortality by race/ethnic group.
PLOS Medicine
168
09/25/2020
Pediatrics, Immunology
Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Children and Adolescents Compared With Adults
A study examined data from contact tracing and population screening of COVID and compared results between children and adults, estimating that individuals under 20 years old have 44% lower odds of being infected by COVID than those over 20. Although this means that children are less susceptible to COVID infection, this study does not provide information on the infectivity of children with COVID.
169
09/24/2020
Immunology
Ultrapotent human antibodies protect against SARS-CoV-2 challenge via multiple mechanisms
Researchers have identified two “ultrapotent” neutralizing antibodies against COVID, among 800 screened antibodies from recovered COVID patients. These antibodies are more effective at preventing the novel coronavirus from entering human cells than the vast majority of COVID-neutralizing antibodies.
Science
170
09/25/2020
Transmission
Speech can produce jet-like transport relevant to asymptomatic spreading of virus
A study experimentally demonstrates how speech can produce droplets that contribute to the spread of the novel coronavirus. These droplets can often travel farther than six feet from unmasked people. The study shows how specific speech sounds affect the amount of droplets produced.
PNAS
171
09/28/2020
Theraputics, Special Populations
The Exclusion of Older Persons From Vaccine and Treatment Trials for Coronavirus Disease 2019—Missing the Target
0
given that older adults are disproportionately affected by COVID
more effort should be made to include them in these clinical and vaccine trials."
172
09/29/2020
Pathophisiology
Clinical criteria for COVID-19-associated hyperinflammatory syndrome: a cohort study
A study proposes diagnostic criteria for COVID-associated hyperinflammatory syndrome (cHIS), which is a type of very severe COVID seen in a subset of patients. Using these criteria, the researchers were able to predict a COVID patient’s chances of progression to mechanical ventilation and death.
Lancet
173
09/29/2020
Immunology, Vaccine
Safety and Immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-1273 Vaccine in Older Adults
0
after given to an individual
leads to the production of novel coronavirus proteins against which the individual’s immune system creates antibodies. The vaccine was found to be safe and able to generate high levels of neutralizing antibodies. The researchers had previously only tested the vaccine on subjects under 55 years old
and until now very few vaccine trials have included older adults. "
174
09/30/2020
Pathophisiology,
Spinal cord dysfunction after COVID-19 infection
A study provides the first report of spinal cord dysfunction after COVID infection. The three patients in the report all had respiratory failure, required mechanical ventilation, and received tocilizumab (a drug that decreases inflammation and is used to treat COVID in some hospitals). The spinal cord dysfunction manifested mainly as leg weakness.
Nature
175
09/30/2020
Genetics
The major genetic risk factor for severe COVID-19 is inherited from Neanderthals
0
after COVID infection."
176
10/01/2020
Immunology
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in people with an acute loss in their sense of smell and/or taste in a community-based population in London, UK: An observational cohort study
A study examines a group of people without a previous diagnosis of COVID who had loss of smell or taste within the past month, and finds that 77.6% had antibodies against the novel coronavirus. Of these people, 40% had neither cough nor fever, and those with loss of smell were three times more likely to have antibodies against coronavirus compared with those with loss of taste. These findings suggest that recent loss of smell is quite specifically correlated with COVID and can be used as a basis for screening.
PLOS Medicine
177
10/01/2020
Vaccine
Designing a multi-epitope peptide based vaccine against SARS-CoV-2
A study reports the design of a multi-epitope vaccine that, in computational simulations, can elicit very strong immune protection against the novel coronavirus. An epitope is a specific part of a protein recognized by a person’s immune system, and against which antibodies are created. Vaccines currently being tested cause the body to produce a single type of antibody. A multi-epitope vaccine can cause the body to produce a combination of antibodies, which can theoretically have more protective effects.
Nature
178
10/01/2020
Environment
Impact of meteorological conditions and air pollution on COVID-19 pandemic transmission in Italy
A study analyzes the weather and environmental conditions in regions of Italy that had the worst COVID outbreaks, finding that higher temperatures and humidities are correlated with less virus transmission, while higher air pollution is correlated with increased virus transmission.
Nature
179
09/23/2020
Epidemiology
Changing Age Distribution of the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, May–August 2020
A report by the CDC finds that from June to August, COVID incidence was highest in people between 20-29 years old. This age group accounted for >20% of all confirmed cases, and likely contributed to community transmission. Overall, as the pandemic has progressed, the age distribution of COVID patients has increasingly skewed younger.
CDC
180
10/02/2020
Immunology, Pathophisiology
Selective and cross-reactive SARS-CoV-2 T cell epitopes in unexposed humans
A study analyzed blood samples taken from patients before the novel coronavirus was discovered in 2019, and found that some of these patients, who have never been exposed to the novel coronavirus, have immune T cells that “cross-react” against both the novel coronavirus and various strains of coronaviruses that cause the common cold. The researchers suggest this may explain the wide variety of symptom severities seen in COVID patients. However, it is important to note that the presence of T cells against specific common cold coronaviruses have not been experimentally demonstrated to protect against COVID
Science
181
09/29/2020
Immunology
Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Humoral Responses against SARS-CoV-2 Spike
0
182
10/05/2020
Genetics
SARS-CoV-2 spike protein predicted to form complexes with host receptor protein orthologues from a broad range of mammals
A study finds that the spike protein on the novel coronavirus (the protein that the virus uses to invade host cells) can bind to cells in a wide range of mammals, from domestic animals such as dogs, cats, and hamsters to farm animals such as sheep, cows, pigs, and horses. The researchers suggest that ongoing monitoring of the virus in animals may be important for disease control in the future
Nature
183
10/06/2020
Pathophisiology
Clinical and cardiac characteristics of COVID‐19 mortalities in a diverse New York City Cohort
A study examined a diverse group of hospitalized COVID patients in several New York City hospitals and found that of the 10% who died, 70% were racial/ethnic minorities and 88% had some type of cardiovascular disease. While they were hospitalized, a high proportion of these patients experienced abnormal heart rhythms which contributed to their deaths.
Wiley Online Library
184
10/08/2020
Immunology, Pathophisiology
Two distinct immunopathological profiles in autopsy lungs of COVID-19
0
while the second involves a lot of inflammatory cells but low levels of the virus. The researchers suggest that these results may represent different stages of the infection
and that treatment approaches should consider which “phase” the patient is in."
185
10/13/2020
Environment, Special Populations
Seasonality and uncertainty in global COVID-19 growth rates
A study uses modeling to predict how different weather and seasonal patterns affect COVID spread. It finds that UV light, low temperatures, and high humidity are highly correlated with decreases in COVID cases. The model predicts global patterns of COVID transmission in the upcoming seasons; for instance, in the northern hemisphere, COVID cases will likely rise through the autumn months and peak in winter.
PNAS
186
10/02/2020
Transmission, Epidemiology
The impact of mask-wearing and shelter-in-place on COVID-19
A study uses modeling to predict the effects of masking and sheltering in place on COVID outbreaks, using specific transmission and demographic patterns in the United States. The results show that if 75% of the population used non-medical grade masks, COVID infections, hospitalizations, and deaths could be reduced by 38-47%. If people aged 50-64 were also sheltered, hospitalizations and deaths could be reduced by more than 82%.
187
10/09/2020
Immunology, Genetics
REGN-COV2 antibodies prevent and treat SARS-CoV-2 infection in rhesus macaques and hamsters
A study shows that REGN-COV2, a mixture of artificial antibodies against the novel coronavirus, is able to reduce viral loads and symptoms in monkeys and hamsters with COVID. REGN-COV2 is an experimental therapy that President Trump recently received after being diagnosed with COVID. It has not been approved by the FDA for use in COVID patients. Although the manufacturer, Regeneron, has released preliminary data from ongoing clinical trials showing the medicine’s effectiveness in humans with COVID, there have been no peer-reviewed results yet.
Science
188
10/14/2020
Genetics, Immunology
Reduced prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in ABO blood group O
0
but this study is the first population-level analysis of this association."
189
10/14/2020
Pathophisiology
Multi-organ impairment in low-risk individuals with long COVID
A pre-peer reviewed study examines the symptoms of “long COVID” in young patients without significant pre-existing conditions. “Long COVID” is a poorly-defined term that refers to the persistence of COVID-related symptoms for weeks to months after diagnosis. Among the 201 young COVID patients included in the study, 70% had evidence of ongoing damage to one or more organs (including heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancrea, or spleen) four months after diagnosis. These results have implications for public health approaches that initially assumed young people would be minimally by COVID.
medrxiv
190
10/16/2020
Race, Special Populations
Race, Ethnicity, and Age Trends in Persons Who Died from COVID-19 — United States, May–August 2020
A report by the CDC describes the demographics of COVID-related deaths in more than 110,000 patients between May and August. The report finds that 51.3% of deceased were non-Hispanic white and 18.7% were non-Hispanic black; the percentage of Hispanics increased from 16.3% in May to 26.4% in August.
CDC
191
10/13/2020
Informatics
State-level variation of initial COVID-19 dynamics in the United States
A study finds that metrics such as COVID case fatality rate, case doubling time, and basic reproductive number were highly variable among different states in the US, especially early in the outbreak. The study finds that these variations are strongly associated with non-pharmaceutical governmental interventions such as social distancing restrictions and restaurant closures. The researchers discuss how individual states can serve as small, natural experiments in how different demographic patterns and government responses can impact the course of an epidemic.
PLOS One
192
10/19/2020
Testing, Special Populations, Epidemiology
Asymptomatic and Presymptomatic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection Rates in a Multistate Sample of Skilled Nursing Facilities
A study performs COVID tests in more than 5,400 residents of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) across 20 states, finding that 40% of cases were asymptomatic and 19% were pre-symptomatic. The high proportion of people without symptoms at the time of testing underscores the importance of universal testing, especially among vulnerable populations or in communal settings (such as SNFs).
JAMA
193
10/20/2020
Genetics, Pathophisiology
Neuropilin-1 is a host factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection
0
which is responsible for the coronavirus attaching to human cells
binds strongly to neurophilin-1
a protein found on the surface of many human cells. The researchers also found that molecules that block this interaction can reduce the infectivity of novel coronavirus in experimental cell cultures. These findings open up a new option for COVID therapy development. "
194
10/20/2020
Transmission
Numerical investigation of aerosol transport in a classroom with relevance to COVID-19 featured
A study explores how classrooms can be modified to reduce COVID aerosol transmission. Glass barriers, in addition to separation of desks by 2.4 meters, reduce transmission likelihood by 92%. Opening windows can further decrease transmission.
AIP
195
07/09/2020
Pathophisiology
Effect of heart failure on the outcome of COVID-19 — A meta analysis and systematic review
A study analyzed previous reports that totaled more than 20,000 COVID patients, finding that those with pre-existing heart failure are more than two times as likely to be hospitalized and more than three times as likely to die than COVID patients without pre-existing heart failure.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
196
10/19/2020
OB/GYN
Pregnant women with COVID-19 and risk of adverse birth outcomes and maternal-fetal vertical transmission: a population-based cohort study in Wuhan, China
A population-level study of pregnant COVID patients in Wuhan, China finds that COVID in late pregnancy is associated with higher risks of preterm labor and C-section. Risk of transmission of the virus from mother to baby during the pregnancy or childbirth was very low, and the babies who did get COVID had very mild symptoms. These results support the relatively large body of evidence from around the world that COVID is not a high risk for newborn babies.
BMC Medicine
197
10/22/2020
Transmission
Uncovering two phases of early intercontinental COVID-19 transmission dynamics
A study uses travel data as well as viral genetic information to analyze how the novel coronavirus spread earlier in the year. The researchers find that the pandemic can be broadly divided into two phases. In the first phase, the virus spread widely within China. In the second phase, unrestricted movements between countries outside of China facilitated intercontinental spread, with Europe as a major source. Analysis of viral genetic variations shows that the dominant strains of the coronavirus introduced to the U.S. were primarily from Europe.
Journal of Travel Medicine
198
10/22/2020
Theraputics
Convalescent plasma in the management of moderate covid-19 in adults in India: open label phase II multicentre randomised controlled trial (PLACID Trial)
A randomized controlled trial involving nearly 500 patients with moderate COVID cases finds that convalescent plasma does not reduce mortality or progression to severe COVID. Convalescent plasma therapy uses the blood of recovered COVID patients, which contains antibodies against the novel coronavirus. Researchers have considered this treatment a promising option since the early days of the pandemic, but the results of this study appear to dispute the treatment’s effectiveness.
BMJ
199
10/27/2020
Transmission
Aerosol persistence in relation to possible transmission of SARS-CoV-2 featured
A study measured the size, number, and volume of respiratory droplets from speaking and coughing individuals. By estimating viral load in COVID patients and modelling the distribution of the droplets, the study finds that transmission of COVID through aerosols (microdroplets of saliva produced by talking) is possible, but inefficient, especially in asymptomatic people with lower viral loads. Transmission of COVID is much more likely through large droplets (produced by sneezing or coughing). Large droplets carry a lot of viruses but do not hang in the air for a long time.
AIP
200
10/27/2020
Epidemiology
Risk Factors for testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 in a national US healthcare system
A study uses data from the VA healthcare system, totalling nearly 90,000 patients, to determine risk factors for testing positive for COVID. The most important risk factors in descending order are the local prevalence of COVID, living in a high-density urban area, and being Black or Hispanic. Obesity and diabetes were the only preexisting health conditions that predicted likelihood of testing positive (many other conditions lead to high risk of severe disease and death).
Oxford Academic
201
10/26/2020
Genetics
The global population of SARS-CoV-2 is composed of six major subtypes
A study proposes that the global population of the novel coronavirus can be divided into six major subtypes, based on major genetic differences. These subtypes of the virus can have different characteristics, such as infectivity. Furthermore, there are distinctive geographic distribution patterns of the subtypes. An awareness of the subtypes can have implications on developing vaccines and designing trials to test them.
Nature
202
10/28/2020
Epidemiology, Transmission, Special Populations
Risk of hospital admission with coronavirus disease 2019 in healthcare workers and their households: nationwide linkage cohort study
A population-level study in Scotland examined COVID data from almost 160,000 healthcare workers and 330,000 of their household members. Patient-facing healthcare workers (such as doctors and nurses) were at more than three times higher risk of hospital admission due to COVID than non-patient-facing healthcare workers (such as lab technicians). Household members of patient-facing healthcare workers were at almost two times higher risk of hospital admission than household members of non-patient-facing healthcare workers. The overall absolute risk of admission due to COVID is low, likely due to the fact that most healthcare workers are between 18 and 65 years old; but those admitted often had severe COVID.
BMJ
203
10/29/2020
Pathophisiology
Wearable sensor data and self-reported symptoms for COVID-19 detection
A study finds that data from wearables (such as the Fitbit) can be combined with patient symptoms to better predict likelihood of COVID infection. The study included data from more than 30,000 people, and wearable data that were analyzed included heart rate, physical activity level, and sleep quality.
Nature Medicine
204
10/30/2020
Epidemiology, Contact Tracing
Association between SARS-CoV-2 infection, exposure risk and mental health among a cohort of essential retail workers in the USA
A study examined the presence of COVID infection among workers at a grocery retail store, finding that 20% of the workers were positive for COVID. 76% of cases were asymptomatic. Employees with direct customer exposure were five times more likely to be COVID positive.
BMJ
205
11/03/2020
Transmission
Dispersion of evaporating cough droplets in tropical outdoor environment
A study examined the dynamics of saliva droplets from coughing and found that, even outdoors, large droplets can travel one meter/3.3 feet away from the cougher. With the presence of wind, droplets can travel for up to 6.6 meters/21 feet. These droplets can carry enough novel coronavirus particles to cause COVID infections, but increased social distancing, even by a few feet, can dramatically decrease the amount of droplets that are spread.
AIP
206
11/03/2020
Immunology
Repeated cross-sectional sero-monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in New York City
A study repeatedly tested the presence of antibodies against the novel coronavirus among inhabitants of New York City from February to July. The prevalence of COVID antibodies (which suggests the proportion of the population that has been exposed to the novel coronavirus) leveled out at 20% by May, even as numbers of new cases decreased. Between May and July (when the study ended), antibody prevalence remained stable, suggesting that COVID antibodies do persist for many months after exposure to the virus. But it is important to note that this number still falls short of the antibody prevalence needed for herd immunity, which has generally been estimated by experts to be around 60-70%.
Nature
207
10/29/2020
Pathophisiology
High Prevalence of Pericardial Involvement in College Student-Athletes Recovering
A study examined the hearts of 54 college athletes (averaging 19 years old) who were recovering from COVID, most of whom had mild symptoms, and found that over a third of them had evidence of heart inflammation. Many also had decreases in heart function, but none of the patients had evidence of ongoing or worsening heart damage.
208
11/02/2020
General Opinion
Knowledge and attitudes of us adults regarding COVID-19
A survey of the U.S. population on attitudes towards COVID found that only 54% of people were worried about contracting the virus. 62% stated they would stay at home if they believed they had been exposed to the virus and 74% said they would receive a COVID vaccine if one becomes available. More people plan on getting the influenza vaccine next season compared to the last season. Overall, younger people were far less concerned about the virus, and no significant geographic variations in the answers were found.
International Journal of Emergency Medicine
209
11/04/2020
Theraputics
Selection, biophysical and structural analysis of synthetic nanobodies that effectively neutralize SARS-CoV-2
A study describes a method of creating synthetic nanobodies, or “sybodies,” that can bind to and neutralize the novel coronavirus. Nanobodies function like antibodies but are much smaller in size. The researchers suggest this could be a rapid procedure to produce COVID therapy for large numbers of people.
Nature
210
11/06/2020
Pediatrics, Immunology
Pre-Existing Coronavirus Antibodies Could Help Protect Children Against New Pandemic Strain
A study finds evidence further supporting the hypothesis that many people who have not had COVID nonetheless have antibodies that can bind to the novel coronavirus. These are antibodies likely created in response to past infection with other strains of coronaviruses. These pre-existing antibodies are higher in younger people (due to more regular exposure to other coronaviruses, a frequent cause of the common cold), which may explain why younger COVID patients tend to experience less severe disease. The researchers warn that the presence of these pre-existing antibodies does not guarantee immunity.
Scienmag
211
11/06/2020
Transmission
Transmission of SARS-COV-2 Infections in Households — Tennessee and Wisconsin, April–September 2020
A study followed households in Tennessee and Wisconsin with an initial COVID case, and found that around 53% of household contacts subsequently tested positive for COVID. Approximately 75% of secondary infections were identified within five days of the first case. Transmission was frequent from either children or adults. These results reinforce the importance of strict quarantine of a family member as soon as COVID symptoms or a positive test appear.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on mink farms between humans and mink and back to humans
0
initially only circulating among humans
was transmitted from humans to minks
then back to humans
214
11/10/2020
Epidemiology
Mobility network models of COVID-19 explain inequities and inform reopening
A study uses the cell phone data of almost 100 million people in the United States to determine how people’s mobility affects COVID transmission. The results provide further evidence that superspreaders play a large role in spreading the virus, and that the most effective interventions to prevent COVID spread are to limit the operation and occupancy of “points of interest” such as restaurants and religious establishments. The study also finds that populations that are racially and socioeconomically disadvantaged have differences in mobility compared with the general population. (For example, they are sometimes unable to stay at home or must gather in locations with larger numbers of people). These differences are predictive of higher infection rates in these populations.
Nature
215
11/11/2020
Special Populations, Contact Tracing
An Outbreak of Covid-19 on an Aircraft Carrier
0
27% of the crew tested positive for COVID
and approximately 80% of the infections were identified within five weeks of the first confirmed case. Transmission was facilitated by close quarters and by asymptomatic and presymptomatic infected crew members. Nearly half of those who tested positive for the virus never had symptoms."
216
11/10/2020
Pathophisiology
Transcriptional and proteomic insights into the host response in fatal COVID-19 cases
0
viral loads were low in the lung while immune cells were present in high levels. Inflammatory responses were also elevated in organs that had no evidence of viral infection
such as the intestinal tract. These findings support the theory that in a patient with COVID
the immune response contributes more to the symptoms of severe disease than does direct viral invasion of organs"
217
11/16/2020
Theraputics
Ranking the effectiveness of worldwide COVID-19 government interventions
0
border restrictions
contact tracing
and social distancing. The model the researchers use also takes into account timing of NPIs and effects of hypothetical combinations of various NPIs. Overall
218
11/16/2020
Theraputics, Informatics
Trends in Outpatient Care Delivery and Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the US
A study surveys changing patterns in telemedicine during the COVID pandemic. Every U.S. state had a decline in the number of in-patient visits to the hospital, but the growth in telemedicine use offset roughly two-thirds of this decline. There are widespread geographic disparities in telemedicine use (such as greater numbers of telemedicine visits in urban areas). The researchers point out that the overall decrease in clinic visits mean that patients may fall behind in chronic illness management or face complications from deferred acute medical issues.
JAMA
219
11/13/2020
Genetics, Immunology, Pathophysiology
Associations between blood type and COVID-19 infection, intubation, and death
0
while risk of death is higher in those with type AB blood. These results add to the growing body of evidence suggesting blood type plays a role in COVID."
220
11/17/2020
Testing
Implementation of a Pooled Surveillance Testing Program for Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infections on a College Campus — Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, August 2–October 11, 2020
A study discussed results of a COVID surveillance program among college students at Duke University, which had implemented disease prevention measures such as mandatory masking, social distancing, and participation in routine testing. Students were tested in “pools,” meaning that samples from five students were tested together, which significantly increased testing capacity. From August to October, only 0.8% of the students tested positive, and half of those students were asymptomatic. These results illustrate the effectiveness of strict enforcement of COVID prevention measures and of the pooled testing method.
CDC
221
11/16/2020
Epidemiology
Risk attitudes and human mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic
A study describes the association between attitudes towards risk-taking and human mobility during the COVID pandemic. Attitudes toward risk-taking, rather than the actual risk, play a greater role in influencing behaviors such as social distancing. The researchers found that risk-taking attitudes were strongly dependent on cultural factors around the world, as well as the information people were receiving about the virus (such as whether government entities were declaring “emergencies”).
Nature
222
11/18/2020
Immunology
Prothrombotic autoantibodies in serum from patients hospitalized with COVID-19
0
223
10/23/2020
Theraputics, Pathophisiology
Trends in COVID-19 Risk-Adjusted Mortality Rates
0
mortality dropped from 26% in March to 7.6% in August. Even though average patient age has increasingly become younger
the researchers found that the trend in decreasing mortality holds even after accounting for the changes in patient characteristics."
224
11/20/2020
Epidemiology
Trends in County-Level COVID-19 Incidence in Counties With and Without a Mask Mandate — Kansas, June 1–August 23, 2020
A report describes trends in COVID cases after Kansas issued a masking mandate in early July. The masking mandate was subject to county authority to opt out. COVID incidence decreased in the 24 counties with mask mandates but continued to increase in the 81 counties without mask mandates.
CDC
225
10/20/2020
Epidemiology
Successful interruption of seasonal influenza transmission under the COVID-19 rapid response in Zhejiang Province, China
A study from Zhejiang Province in China finds that the prevalence of the seasonal flu has substantially decreased during the COVID pandemic, likely due to the non-pharmaceutical interventions in place (such as universal masking and physical distancing). The researchers discuss how these findings provide insights for controlling flu epidemics in the future. The effects of public health measures against COVID on the flu has not been assessed yet in the United States.
ScienceDirect
226
11/17/2020
Immunology
Functional SARS-CoV-2-specific immune memory persists after mild COVID-19
A study finds that most patients who recover from mild COVID develop antibodies against the novel coronavirus capable of neutralizing the virus. The antibodies can persist for at least three months. Other antiviral components of the immune system, besides from antibodies, are also activated.
Cell
227
11/26/2020
General Opinion
Quantifying human mobility behaviour changes during the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States
A study describes the design of a Social Distancing Index (SDI) to measure people’s mobility pattern changes along with the spread of COVID at different geographic levels. The study found that both government orders and local outbreak severity significantly contribute to the strength of social distancing, and that people tend to practice less social distancing immediately after they observe a sign of local mitigation. The researchers suggest that the SDI could help policymakers monitor people’s real-time mobility behaviors and track regions with higher risk of community transmission.
Nature
228
11/27/2020
Genetics
SARS-CoV-2 and the risk of Parkinson's disease: facts and fantasy
0
if poorly understood."
229
11/30/2020
Pathophisiology
Olfactory transmucosal SARS-CoV-2 invasion as a port of central nervous system entry in individuals with COVID-19
A study experimentally shows how the novel coronavirus can directly invade the brain through the olfactory mucosa, the mucus membrane at the roof of the nasal cavity that is responsible for the sense of smell. The virus can then spread into deeper structures in the brain. The researchers also describe how the virus can cause strokes to occur.
Nature
230
11/30/2020
Transmission
Effective control of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Wanzhou, China
A study analyzes the spread of COVID in the Wanzhou urban area of China. Asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission accounted for 76% of the recorded transmissions. In the early stages of transmission, each infected person, on average, spread the disease to 1.64 other people. The spread of COVID was effectively controlled in Wanzhou by breaking the transmission chain through social distancing, extensive contact tracing, mass testing, and strict quarantine of close contacts.
Nature
231
12/01/2020
Immunology, Surgery
Successful double-lung transplantation from a donor previously infected with SARS-CoV-2
0
but the long term effects of previous COVID infection on the function of donated lung tissue is still unknown."
232
12/01/2020
Immunology, Genetics, Transmission
Shedding of Viable SARS-CoV-2 after Immunosuppressive Therapy for Cancer
0
or chemotherapy for various cancers."
233
11/17/2020
Pathophisiology, Immunology
Direct Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and Cigarette Smoke Increases Infection Severity and Alters the Stem Cell-Derived Airway Repair Response
A study investigates the mechanism of how cigarette smoking increases risk for severe COVID. The study exposed human lung cells first to cigarette smoke, then to the novel coronavirus, and found that exposure to cigarette smoke suppresses immune responses that protect against viral infection and increases the number of cells infected by the novel coronavirus.
Cell
234
11/30/2020
Immunology
Immunoinformatic design of a COVID-19 subunit vaccine using entire structural immunogenic epitopes of SARS-CoV-2
A study describes the design of a new COVID vaccine through computational analysis of the novel coronavirus genome. The researchers use molecular modelling to create a vaccine that is composed of many parts of the virus. The combination of different viral components means that the vaccine will elicit a mixture of antibodies that attack different pieces of the virus. Overall, this results in stronger immune protection. This proposed vaccine has not been tested in live animals yet.
Nature
235
12/04/2020
Genetics, Testing
Amplification-free detection of SARS-CoV-2 with CRISPR-Cas13a and mobile phone microscopy
Researchers have developed a CRISPR-based COVID test that can measure novel coronavirus viral load. CRISPR is a gene-editing technology that involves reprogramming bacterial proteins to recognize specific viral gene sequences. The results of this COVID test are read on a smartphone, and can generate results in as quickly as five minutes. The researchers believe this test will make COVID testing much faster and more available, especially in low-resource settings
Cell
236
09/16/2020
Immunology
Antigen-Specific Adaptive Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in Acute COVID-19 and Associations with Age and Disease Severity
A study characterizes the coordination of the immune response against COVID by studying both recovered and actively ill patients across different age groups. The researchers divided the immune response into CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, and antibodies, the three most critical components of adaptive immunity against infections. These three components must work in a coordinated way to best protect against viruses. The study found that a disorganization of these components is a primary contributor to the decreased ability of older patients to fight off COVID. Overall, this is one of the most comprehensive analyses of COVID-specific immunity in patients.
Cell
237
12/07/2020
Epidemiology, Contact Tracing, Transmission
Effect of internationally imported cases on internal spread of COVID-19: a mathematical modelling study
0
meaning that travel restrictions may have little effect on controlling COVID spread. Countries where travel restrictions would be most effective are those that have already successfully controlled local outbreaks
and those with strong travel links to countries with high COVID prevalence."
238
12/08/2020
Genetics
Simultaneous COVID-19 in Homozygous Twins
A case report describes identical twins who both contracted COVID from the same person. The twins lived and worked together and had similar medical histories. Both twins were treated by the same medical team and got the same early treatments. Despite having similar initial symptoms, one twin ended up with mild COVID while the other required admission to the intensive care unit and a breathing machine. The researchers do not know why the twins had such different symptoms, given that they had the same genetic factors and environmental exposures
Annals of Internal Medicine
239
12/08/2020
Transmission
SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission in educational settings: a prospective, cross-sectional analysis of infection clusters and outbreaks in England
0
and the proportion of COVID cases introduced into a school that resulted in an outbreak ranged from 26 to 40%. Staff members were more likely to be affected than students. These results indicate the importance of controlling community spread of the disease to protect educational facilities."
240
12/09/2020
Immunology, Genetics
Pre-existing T cell-mediated cross-reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 cannot solely be
Several studies have reported the existence of pre-existing immunity against COVID in some unexposed people, theorized to be due to prior exposure to common cold coronaviruses leading to the creation of “cross-reactive” immune T cells that can target the novel coronavirus. A pre-peer reviewed study analyzed all known immune T cells cross-reactive against the novel coronavirus and examined them against a comprehensive database of viruses in the coronavirus family. The researchers found that over half of the cross-reactive T cells cannot be explained by previous exposure to other coronaviruses. These results refute the idea that prior exposure to coronaviruses is a key factor in susceptibility to COVID and symptom severity upon infection.
241
12/07/2020
Immunology
IgA dominates the early neutralizing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2
Two studies discover the important role of IgA antibodies during a COVID infection. One study finds that antibody response in the early phase of COVID is mainly composed of IgA antibodies. There are four important types of antibodies involved in protecting against infections: IgG, IgE, IgA, and IgM. The vast majority of research on COVID antibodies so far have focused on the IgG subtype. Both studies find that IgA is more powerful than IgG in fighting off COVID, especially just after the onset of symptoms. The researchers suggest the role of IgA antibodies have been overlooked and that COVID vaccine development should consider stimulating IgA antibody production.
Science
242
12/07/2020
Immunology
Enhanced SARS-CoV-2 neutralization by dimeric IgA
0
IgA
and IgM. The vast majority of research on COVID antibodies so far have focused on the IgG subtype. Both studies find that IgA is more powerful than IgG in fighting off COVID
especially just after the onset of symptoms. The researchers suggest the role of IgA antibodies have been overlooked and that COVID vaccine development should consider stimulating IgA antibody production."
243
12/11/2020
Testing
A smartphone-read ultrasensitive and quantitative saliva test for COVID-19
0
rather than nasal or nasopharyngeal swabs
will facilitate easier collection of samples. This test uses CRISPR
a genetic technology that uses modified bacterial proteins that can recognize viral genetic fragments. The results of this test can be read on a smartphone."
244
12/11/2020
Genetics
Targeting transcriptional regulation of SARS-CoV-2 entry factors ACE2 and TMPRSS2
0
245
12/11/2020
Testing, Epidemiology, Special Populations
COVID-19 cases and testing in 53 prison systems
0
and deaths from 53 prison systems across the United States. Testing rate varied immensely from 6 per 1000 people to 1500 per 1000 people (more than one test per person). Test positivity (proportion of tests that came back positive) ranged from 0 to 42%. Rates of death from COVID also varied widely. The more important finding is that there is significant inconsistency in testing and case reporting among prison systems
so the true impact of COVID in prisons
though significant
246
12/14/2020
Pathophsiology, Genetics
Pathological and molecular examinations of postmortem testis biopsies reveal SARS-CoV-2 infection in the testis and spermatogenesis damage in COVID-19 patients
A study finds that the novel coronavirus can directly infect the testes of COVID patients. The resulting inflammation causes disorganized regulation of spermatogenesis, the process through which sperm cells develop. The researchers suggest that these findings mean that COVID may impact fertility.
Nature
247
12/15/2020
Epidemiology, Contact Tracing
Effects of mask-wearing on the inhalability and deposition of airborne SARS-CoV-2 aerosols in human upper airway featured
A study analyzes how wearing a mask affects the distribution of inhaled aerosol droplets containing the coronavirus along the respiratory tract. A typical three-layered surgical mask is capable of protecting the nose, throat, and lungs from the majority of particles containing virus. Even a non-surgical mask can significantly slow down the flow of inhaled droplets, which decreases penetration of the respiratory tract by viruses.
AIP
248
12/15/2020
Epidemiology, General Opinion, Contact Tracing
Inferring the effectiveness of government interventions against COVID-19
A study analyzes the effects that various non-pharmaceutical interventions had on reducing COVID transmission and deaths in 41 countries. Closing all educational institutions, limiting gatherings to 10 people or less, and closing face-to-face businesses each reduced transmission considerably. The additional effect of stay-at-home orders was comparatively small.
Science
249
12/16/2020
Pathophisiology
The S1 protein of SARS-CoV-2 crosses the blood–brain barrier in mice
A study finds that the spike protein of the novel coronavirus can cross the blood-brain barrier in mice, and subsequently invade many parts of the brain. The spike protein is responsible for the virus attaching to human cells. The blood-brain barrier is a border of cells along blood vessels in the nervous system that prevent certain substances such as toxins in the blood from entering the brain. The researchers point out that this may explain why many COVID patients experience neurological symptoms such as encephalitis, delirium, and loss of smell.
Nature Neuroscience
250
12/14/2020
Immunology
Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 reinfection of a health care worker in a Belgian nosocomial outbreak despite primary neutralizing antibody response
0
251
12/16/2020
Pathophisioligy
The S1 protein of SARS-CoV-2 crosses the blood–brain barrier in mice
A study finds that the spike protein of the novel coronavirus can cross the blood-brain barrier in mice, and subsequently invade many parts of the brain. The spike protein is responsible for the virus attaching to human cells. The blood-brain barrier is a border of cells along blood vessels in the nervous system that prevent certain substances such as toxins in the blood from entering the brain. The researchers point out that this may explain why many COVID patients experience neurological symptoms such as encephalitis, delirium, and loss of smell.
Nature Neuroscience
252
12/14/2020
Epidemiology, Immunology
Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 reinfection of a health care worker in a Belgian nosocomial outbreak despite primary neutralizing antibody response
A report describes a case of a young healthcare worker who was reinfected by the novel coronavirus 185 days after the first infection. Genetic analysis shows that the coronaviruses involved in the two episodes of COVID were of different strains. The patient had developed a strong immune response against COVID after the first infection. The results suggest that protective immunity against the novel coronavirus after a first infection might not persist in the long-term.
Oxford Academic
253
12/14/2020
Epidemiology, Genetics
Emergence and rapid spread of a new severe acute respiratory syndrome-related
A pre-peer reviewed study describes a new novel coronavirus mutant, called 501Y.V2, that has emerged in South Africa. The mutations involved are located in the spike protein, but the functional significance of these mutations are not known. 501Y.V2 was first reported on December 18, and has a higher prevalence among younger people without pre-existing health conditions. It has become the dominant strain in several South African provinces.
254
12/21/2020
Immunology, Testing
Multiplex assays for the identification of serological signatures of SARS-CoV-2 infection: an antibody-based diagnostic and machine learning study
A study reports the use of multiplex serological tests for detecting COVID antibodies. These tests simultaneously assess the presence of multiple types of antibodies that target multiple parts of the virus, capturing a broader range of post-COVID antibody responses. The researchers then used machine learning to analyze antibody trends to classify when COVID patients were exposed to the virus. The method is able to more accurately identify previously infected people than other antibody tests, especially after antibody levels start to decline. The researchers hope that the multiplex test will be able to better classify people who were infected more than six months ago, as well as help screen for COVID prevalence in very low-transmission settings (thanks to the test’s high sensitivity).
Lancet
255
12/22/2020
Epidemiology, Special Populations
Variation in US Hospital Mortality Rates for Patients Admitted With COVID-19 During the First 6 Months of the Pandemic
A study looked at nearly 40,000 hospitalized COVID patients in 10,000 US hospitals during the first six months of the pandemic. The study found that mortality rates for COVID patients varied significantly across U.S. hospitals, ranging from 9% to 16%. While mortality rates improved in all but one hospital, wide mortality differences across hospitals persist. The factor most associated with hospital mortality is the prevalence of COVID in the local community and the rate at which new cases appear.
JAMA
256
12/22/2020
Immunology
Rapid generation of durable B cell memory to SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins in COVID-19 and convalescence
A study analyzed antibody levels and the immune cell composition of COVID patients and finds that although COVID antibodies in patients start declining around 20 days after symptom onset, memory B cells continue rising for at least 150 days and persist long afterwards. (The study was conducted over eight months). These memory B cells can recognize the coronavirus and trigger an immune protective response against COVID, including creating new antibodies. These results support the idea that people who have recovered from COVID or gotten the vaccine should have durable long-term protection.
Science Immunology
257
12/18/2020
Epidemiology
Susceptibility of Domestic Swine to Experimental Infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
A study finds that domestic pigs are mildly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. After pigs were exposed to the virus, a few had detectable viral genetic material in their nasal and oral secretions. Antibodies were also detected in these animals. Although the rate of infection is low, these results contradict previous reports that pigs are not susceptible at all to COVID. The researchers suggest the need for evaluating the potential role of domestic livestock in the COVID pandemic.
CDC
258
12/22/2020
Special Populations
Clinical Outcomes, Costs, and Cost-effectiveness of Strategies for Adults Experiencing Sheltered Homelessness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
A study modeled different COVID surveillance systems in a population of 2,250 sheltered homeless adults. Strategies included daily screening for COVID symptoms and testing those with symptoms; universal COVID testing every 2 weeks; treating those with COVID either at a hospital or alternative care site for isolation (for mild COVID); and moving people into temporary individual housing. Compared with no intervention, daily symptom screening plus isolation of confirmed cases was associated with moderately reduced infection rates and significantly lower costs. Individual temporary housing plus universal COVID testing every 2 weeks was most effective at reducing cases but very expensive. Both interventions may be useful in preventing future surges.
JAMA
259
12/28/2020
Epidemiology
Superspreading in early transmissions of COVID-19 in Indonesia
A study analyzes COVID transmissions in Indonesia early during the pandemic by examining the first 1,288 cases in two regions, Jakarta and Batam. In Jakarta, the capital, the basic reproduction number was 6.8; this is the average number of people an individual with COVID subsequently infects. The data, however, shows an extremely wide variation in the basic reproduction number on an individual level, indicating that superspreading events played a key role in the early stage of the outbreak. A small number of infected people were responsible for large numbers of COVID transmissions. These results underscore the importance of early and rapid identification and isolation of cases in subsequent waves of the pandemic.
Nature
260
12/22/2020
Immunology
Neurological Manifestations of COVID-19 Feature T Cell Exhaustion and Dedifferentiated Monocytes in Cerebrospinal Fluid
A study analyzed the immune response within the cerebrospinal fluid of COVID patients with neurological symptoms such as headache, brain inflammation, dizziness, and strokes. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, providing nutrients as well as a cushioning protective effect. The study finds that the CSF of these patients had “exhausted” immune T cells that were ineffective against the virus and a reduced interferon response, an important antiviral mechanism. These features were specific to COVID and not present in neurological problems caused by other viruses.
Cell
261
12/23/2020
Informatics
Artificial intelligence predicts the immunogenic landscape of SARS-CoV-2 leading to universal blueprints for vaccine designs
A study used artificial intelligence to analyze the entire library of known proteins from all 3,400 unique mutant strains of SARS-CoV-2, and simulated human immune responses against these proteins, taking into account the genetic differences in immune systems of diverse populations. The researchers have identified a set of epitopes, or viral protein targets for the immune system to recognize, that can be used to create universal COVID vaccines.
Nature
262
12/26/2020
Epidemiology, Pathophisiology
Hydrating the Respiratory Tract: An Alternative Explanation Why Masks Lower Severity
A pre-peer reviewed study demonstrates how using masks, including cloth masks, increases the humidity of the air that a person inhales. This promotes the hydration of the respiratory tract, which helps with increasing its general immune defense against infections. The researchers suggest that this might be another reason why cloth masks are surprisingly effective at decreasing the chances of getting COVID, especially given how poor they are at actually filtering out aerosol particles.
263
01/02/2021
Pathophsiology
Severe acute kidney injury in critically ill COVID-19 patients
A study of COVID patients in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Spain found that over one fifth of them developed significant kidney injury. These patients did not have a previous history of chronic kidney problems. A third of these patients required dialysis. Kidney injury was associated with a 50% mortality rate.
Springer
264
12/09/2020
Pathophisiology, Genetics
Genome-Scale Identification of SARS-CoV-2 and Pan-coronavirus Host Factor Networks
A study describes a genome-wide CRISPR screen to determine the various biochemical pathways and cellular processes in humans involved in COVID. CRISPR is a gene-editing technology that involves reprogramming bacterial proteins to recognize specific gene sequences. In a CRISPR screen, the technology is used to cut out targeted sections of DNA to test how alterations in genes affect biological functions. This study identified various human proteins essential for SARS-CoV-2 infection, and presents a library of new potential targets for COVID therapies.
Cell
265
01/03/2021
Pathophisiology
Association between upper respiratory tract viral load, comorbidities, disease severity and outcome of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection
266
01/03/2021
Theraputics
Increasing dosages of low-molecular-weight heparin in hospitalized patients with Covid-19
Hospitalized COVID patients who require intensive care are at high risk for getting blood clots in their veins and lungs. A study compared treating these patients with standard doses of enoxaparin (a commonly used blood thinner) versus treating them with significantly higher doses of the blood thinner. COVID patients who were treated with high doses had a 60% reduction in mortality and a 50% reduction in the risk for venous blood clots, when compared with patients who received the standard dosage.
Springer
267
01/04/2021
Genetics, Immunology
Comprehensive mapping of mutations to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding
A pre-peer reviewed study identifies a comprehensive set of mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that make it resistant to neutralizing antibodies from the blood of recovered COVID patients (convalescent plasma). The spike protein is the primary target of COVID antibodies. One of the identified mutations (E484), which makes the virus up to 10 times more resistant to antibodies, is in a strain that is rapidly emerging in South Africa and Brazil. It is important to understand and monitor these resistance mutations, in order to develop more effective treatments.
268
01/05/2021
Epidemiology
Estimation of US SARS-CoV-2 Infections, Symptomatic Infections, Hospitalizations, and Deaths Using Seroprevalence Surveys
Using CDC seroprevalence surveys across the U.S. and accounting for “underreporting multipliers” by comparing seroprevalence to reported COVID cases, a study estimates there there were 47 million COVID infections, 28 million symptomatic infections, 1 million hospitalizations, and 300,000 deaths in the U.S. as of November 15, 2020. This data means that 14.3% of the U.S. population have been infected. Although these numbers are far higher than the reported number of COVID cases and deaths, even after adjusting for underreporting, a significant gap remains before herd immunity can be reached.
JAMA
269
01/04/2021
Immunology
Neutralizing antibody titres in SARS-CoV-2 infections
A study measures COVID neutralizing antibody levels in COVID patients who experienced mild, severe, and asymptomatic disease, finding that 99% of patients maintained significant levels of antibodies 200 days after infection. People with severe disease had higher levels of antibodies than those with mild or asymptomatic disease. The researchers note that even after antibody levels drop, re-exposure to the virus may prompt the immune system to create more antibodies. Even though antibodies might not prevent re-infection completely, they can decrease the severity of subsequent infections.
Nature Communications
270
01/06/2021
Vaccine
Allergic Reactions Including Anaphylaxis After Receipt of the First Dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine — United States, December 14–23, 2020
A CDC report describes cases of anaphylaxis after the first dose of the Pfizer COVID vaccine. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction usually treated with epinephrine. According to this report, between December 14 - 23, there were 21 cases of anaphylaxis out of 1,898,360 first doses of the vaccine given (11.1 cases per million doses). 71% of these reactions happened within 15 minutes of vaccination.
CDC
271
01/06/2021
Pathophisiology
Saliva viral load is a dynamic unifying correlate of COVID-19 severity and
A pre-peer reviewed study shows that saliva viral load is a strong predictor of COVID severity. The work suggests that saliva viral load (the amount of viruses present in a person's saliva) may be a stronger predictor of COVID severity than nasopharyngeal viral load. Patients with higher saliva viral loads had more inflammation in their bodies and were more likely to die. Patients with known risk factors, such as older age, heart problems, and diabetes, also had higher saliva viral loads.
272
01/08/2021
Genetics, Immunology
Impact of B.1.1.7 variant mutations on antibody recognition of linear SARSCoV-2 epitopes
A pre-peer reviewed study experimentally shows that COVID antibodies from recovered COVID patients are able to recognize the B.1.1.7 variant and activate the immune system. This study does not investigate whether COVID vaccination can protect against B.1.1.7.
medrxiv
273
01/11/2021
Immunology
Circuits between infected macrophages and T cells in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia
A study investigates the mechanisms of alveolar inflammation in COVID. Alveoli are tiny air sacs at the end of airways and are the smallest anatomical units of the lungs. The study finds that in COVID, SARS-CoV-2 can infect macrophages (immune cells that normally try to ingest and kill invading microorganisms), causing the macrophages to release signals that recruit even more immune cells. This can lead to a cycle of escalating and persistent inflammation occurs in the lungs.
nature
274
01/11/2021
Genetics
A novel ACE2 isoform is expressed in human respiratory epithelia and is upregulated in response to interferons and RNA respiratory virus infection
A study has discovered a new variant of ACE2 that is found on the cells of airways. ACE2 is the key protein on the surface of human cells that SARS-CoV-2 uses to enter cells. SARS-CoV-2 is less able to bind to this shorter variant of ACE2. Although the predominance of “short ACE2” is increased in response to infection by rhinoviruses (a common cold virus), it is not increased by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This “short ACE2” is increased by interferons, a group of proteins with antiviral function. The researchers suggest that this discovery supports interferons as an additional treatment for COVID.
nature genetics
275
01/12/2021
Immunology
Immunological characteristics govern the transition of COVID-19 to endemicity
0
276
01/12/2021
Genetics
First detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein N501 mutation in Italy in August, 2020
A study identifies a strain of SARS-CoV-2 with the spike protein N501 mutation in a sample from an Italian COVID patient in August 2020. This mutation is very similar to the one found in the rapidly spreading B.1.1.7 variant (the “UK variant” first reported in late September 2020). This study underscores the importance of continued surveillance of the emergence of new COVID variants that increase viral spreading.
Lancet: Infectious Diseases
277
01/11/2021
Genetics
Antibody neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 through ACE2 receptor mimicry
0
278
01/13/2021
Vaccine
Interim Results of a Phase 1–2a Trial of Ad26.COV2.S Covid-19 Vaccine
0
which both require two shots. Researchers randomly assigned volunteers to receive a high or low dose of the vaccine. One shot of the vaccine was able to create neutralizing antibodies in 90% of test subjects
regardless of age or dosage. There were relatively few side effects observed
the most common of which was fever."
279
01/11/2021
Epidemiology
Alternating quarantine for sustainable epidemic mitigation
0
with the group that quarantines switching every week. The researchers found that this strategy provides a dramatic reduction in COVID transmission similar to what can be achieved by a population-wide lockdown
even though it only cuts socioeconomic activity by around 50 percent. The weekly alterations also synchronize with the natural progression of COVID
since the majority of infected people will be quarantined around the time of their peak infection."
280
12/08/2020
Epidemiology, Special Populations
Reductions in 2020 US life expectancy due to COVID-19 and the disproportionate impact on the Black and Latino populations
A study projects that COVID will reduce life expectancy in the U.S. in 2020 by 1.13 years. Life expectancy of Black and Latino people are reduced by 3-4 times that of White people. Some reduction in life expectancy may persist beyond 2020 because of continued COVID mortality and long-term health, social, and economic impacts of the pandemic.
PNAS
281
01/16/2021
Pathophisiology
Assessment of Thirty‐Day Readmission Rate, Timing, Causes, and Predictors after Hospitalization with COVID‐19
A study of over 1,000 COVID patients who were discharged from a hospital found that around five percent were readmitted within 30 days. The most common reasons for re-hospitalization were respiratory failure and blood clots. One in five readmitted COVID patients died during their second hospitalization.
Journal of Internal Medicine
282
01/01/2021
Transmission
Airflows inside passenger cars and implications for airborne disease transmission
