Al cierre del día de ayer se confirman 49 casos nuevos, con un acumulado de 2 mil 775 en el país. De los 2 mil 775 pacientes diagnosticados con la enfermedad, se mantienen ingresados confirmados 276 (9,9%), 272 el 98,5% con evolución clínica estable. Se reportan 88 fallecidos (ninguno del día), dos evacuados, 13 altas del día, se acumulan 2 mil 409 pacientes recuperados (87%). Se reportan 4 pacientes en estado grave.

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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has brought many unique pathologies, such as coagulopathy, prompting a desperate need for effective management. COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC) can cause various thromboembolic complications, especially in critically ill patients. The pathogenesis is likely due to endothelial injury, immobilization, and an increase in circulating prothrombotic factors. Data on treatment are limited, although prophylactic anticoagulation is advised in all hospitalized patients. Herein, we have comprehensively reviewed the current literature available on CAC and highlight the pathogenesis, clinical features, and management of CAC.

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented healthcare emergency causing mortality and illness across the world. Although primarily affecting the lungs, the SARS-CoV-2 virus also affects the cardiovascular system. In addition to cardiac effects, e.g. myocarditis, arrhythmias, and myocardial damage, the vasculature is affected in COVID-19, both directly by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and indirectly as a result of a systemic inflammatory cytokine storm. This includes the role of the vascular endothelium in the recruitment of inflammatory leucocytes where they contribute to tissue damage and cytokine release, which are key drivers of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), in disseminated intravascular coagulation, and cardiovascular complications in COVID-19. There is also evidence linking endothelial cells (ECs) to SARS-CoV-2 infection including: (i) the expression and function of its receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the vasculature; (ii) the prevalence of a Kawasaki disease-like syndrome (vasculitis) in COVID-19; and (iii) evidence of EC infection with SARS-CoV-2 in patients with fatal COVID-19. Here, the Working Group on Atherosclerosis and Vascular Biology together with the Council of Basic Cardiovascular Science of the European Society of Cardiology provide a Position Statement on the importance of the endothelium in the underlying pathophysiology behind the clinical presentation in COVID-19 and identify key questions for future research to address. We propose that endothelial biomarkers and tests of function (e.g. flow-mediated dilatation) should be evaluated for their usefulness in the risk stratification of COVID-19 patients. A better understanding of the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on endothelial biology in both the micro- and macrovasculature is required, and endothelial function testing should be considered in the follow-up of convalescent COVID-19 patients for early detection of long-term cardiovascular complications.

The coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic has elicited a swift response by the scientific community to elucidate the pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2-induced lung injury and develop effective therapeutics. Clinical data indicate that severe COVID-19 most commonly manifests as viral pneumonia-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a clinical entity mechanistically understood best in the context of influenza A virus-induced pneumonia. Similar to influenza, advanced age has emerged as the leading host risk factor for developing severe COVID-19. In this review we connect the current understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle and host response to the clinical presentation of COVID-19, borrowing concepts from influenza A virus-induced ARDS pathogenesis and discussing how these ideas inform our evolving understanding of COVID-19-induced ARDS. We also consider important differences between COVID-19 and influenza, mainly COVID-19's protean clinical presentation and associated lymphopenia, the contrasting role of interferon-gamma in mediating the host immune response to these viruses, and SARS-CoV-2's tropism for vascular endothelial cells, commenting on the potential limitations of influenza as a model for COVID-19. Finally, we explore hallmarks of aging that could explain the association between advanced age and susceptibility to severe COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: In late December 2019 and on 1(st) January 2020, the coronavirus (COVID-19) infecting humans was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Later cases have also been confirmed worldwide. Coronaviruses are RNA viruses that are phenotypically and genotypically diverse. Globally, as of 6(th) April 2020, laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) amounted to 1,211,214, including 67,666 deaths. AIM: In the current study, we performed a literature review on coronavirus outbreak to summarize details about the pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, and the management strategies for the disease control. PATHOGENESIS: Coronaviruses are tremendously precise and mature only in differentiated respiratory epithelial cells, as seen in both organ cultures as well as human volunteers. This virus will cause the antiviral T-cell response to be erratic, owing to the T-cell apoptosis activation, triggering the immune system to collapse. TRANSMISSION: The understanding of the transmission of COVID-19 risk is incomplete. The transmission mainly occurs through the respiratory droplets once an infected person sneezes, like the spread of flu and other respiratory infectious agents. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Presentations of COVID-19 includes fever, cough, shortness of breath, malaise and respiratory distress. TREATMENT: There have been no approved vaccines available for COVID-19 until today. The Ministry of Science and Technology in the People's Republic of China declared three potential anti-viral medicines suitable for treating COVID-19. Those three medicines are, namely, favilavir, chloroquine phosphate, and remdesivir. Hydroxychloroquine combined with azithromycin enhances the reduction of the viral load in COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSION: The corona virus transmits quicker than its two predecessors the MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, but has reduced casualty. The global effects of this latest pandemic are still unclear. Nevertheless, considering that so far no vaccine has been available; preventive approaches are the best way to fight against the virus.

In December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a new de novo infectious disease, was first identified in Wuhan, China and quickly spread across China and around the world. The etiology was a novel betacoronavirus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Lu et al., 2020). On Mar. 11, 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) characterized COVID-19 as a global pandemic. As of Mar. 22, 2020, over 292 000 confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported globally. To date, COVID-19, with its high infectivity, has killed more people than severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) combined (Wu and McGoogan, 2020).

Related Articles

The pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 in hACE2 transgenic mice.

Nature. 2020 07;583(7818):830-833

Authors: Bao L, Deng W, Huang B, Gao H, Liu J, Ren L, Wei Q, Yu P, Xu Y, Qi F, Qu Y, Li F, Lv Q, Wang W, Xue J, Gong S, Liu M, Wang G, Wang S, Song Z, Zhao L, Liu P, Zhao L, Ye F, Wang H, Zhou W, Zhu N, Zhen W, Yu H, Zhang X, Guo L, Chen L, Wang C, Wang Y, Wang X, Xiao Y, Sun Q, Liu H, Zhu F, Ma C, Yan L, Yang M, Han J, Xu W, Tan W, Peng X, Jin Q, Wu G, Qin C

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has become a public health emergency of international concern1. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the cell-entry receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)2. Here we infected transgenic mice that express human ACE2 (hereafter, hACE2 mice) with SARS-CoV-2 and studied the pathogenicity of the virus. We observed weight loss as well as virus replication in the lungs of hACE2 mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. The typical histopathology was interstitial pneumonia with infiltration of considerable numbers of macrophages and lymphocytes into the alveolar interstitium, and the accumulation of macrophages in alveolar cavities. We observed viral antigens in bronchial epithelial cells, macrophages and alveolar epithelia. These phenomena were not found in wild-type mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. Notably, we have confirmed the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 in hACE2 mice. This mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection will be valuable for evaluating antiviral therapeutic agents and vaccines, as well as understanding the pathogenesis of COVID-19.

PMID: 32380511 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Related Articles

Safety and efficacy of tocilizumab in the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 pneumonia: A retrospective cohort study.

Indian J Med Microbiol. 2020 Jan-Mar;38(1):117-123

Authors: Patel A, Shah K, Dharsandiya M, Patel K, Patel T, Patel M, Reljic T, Kumar A

Abstract

Background: Cytokine release storm (CRS) in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV-2) is thought to be the cause for organ damage and death which is independent of the actual viral burden. Tocilizumab (TCZ), an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, is approved for the treatment of CRS. We describe the efficacy and safety of TCZ in SARS CoV-2 pneumonia.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from April 20 2020 to May 21 2020. The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of a composite of either need for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) with invasive mechanical ventilation or death. Safety outcomes included an increase in liver transaminases and/or evidence of infection.

Results: A total of 20 patients received TCZ during the study period. The median age was 54 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 47-63). About 85% of the patients were male. Nearly 70% of the patients had at least one comorbidity. About 55% required ICU admission. The median duration of ICU stay was 11 days (95% CI: 3-13 days). The cumulative incidence of the requirement for mechanical ventilation, clinical improvement and mortality was 11% (95% CI: 0.03%-1%), 74% (95% CI 37%-89%) and 25% (95% CI: 11%-63%), respectively. There was no difference in outcomes according to age, gender or computed tomography severity score. Asymptomatic transaminitis was the most common drug reaction (55%), and one patient developed bacteraemia.

Conclusions: TCZ is likely a safe and effective modality of treatment for improving clinical and laboratory parameters of SARS CoV-2 patients with a reduction in ICU stay and ventilatory care need.

PMID: 32719218 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Related Articles

Case report: one case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a patient co-infected by HIV with a normal CD4+ T cell count.

AIDS Res Ther. 2020 07 23;17(1):46

Authors: Menghua W, Xin Z, Jianwei L, Yu Z, Qinwei Y

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 has been a severe pandemic all around the world. Nowadays the patient with co-infection of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 was rarely reported. Here we reported a special case with HIV and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection, which showed a prolonged viral shedding duration.

CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was infected with HIV 8 years ago through sexual transmission and had the normal CD4+T cell count. She was found SARS-CoV-2 positive using real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) during the epidemic. Most importantly, the patient had a prolonged viral shedding duration of SARS-CoV-2 about 28 days.

CONCLUSION: The viral shedding duration may be prolonged in people living with HIV. The 14 days isolation strategy might not be long enough for them. The isolation or discharge of these patients needs further confirmation for preventing epidemics.

PMID: 32703286 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Related Articles

Rapid resolution of cytokine release syndrome and favorable clinical course of severe COVID-19 in a kidney transplant recipient treated with tocilizumab.

Kidney Int. 2020 08;98(2):508-509

Authors: Gautier-Vargas G, Baldacini C, Benotmane I, Keller N, Perrin P, Moulin B, Caillard S

PMID: 32505467 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Condition:   Covid19
Interventions:   Drug: Cenicriviroc (CVC);   Drug: Placebo
Sponsors:   Charite University, Berlin, Germany;   Allergan
Not yet recruiting

Condition:   Covid19
Intervention:   Other: Project ECHO
Sponsor:   Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Not yet recruiting

Condition:   Covid19
Intervention:   Other: Data collection from medical files
Sponsor:   Murielle Surquin
Recruiting

Conditions:   SARS-CoV-2 Infection;   Covid19
Intervention:  
Sponsor:   University of Alberta
Recruiting

Condition:   COVID-19 Infection to Pneumonia
Intervention:   Drug: EC-18
Sponsor:   Enzychem Lifesciences Corporation
Recruiting

Conditions:   Covid19;   ARDS
Interventions:   Drug: Dexamethasone;   Drug: Methylprednisolone
Sponsors:   Chattogram General Hospital;   Health Science Center of Xi’an Jiaotong University
Recruiting

Conditions:   Covid19;   Pneumonia
Intervention:   Drug: IVIG
Sponsor:   Biopharma Plasma LLC
Recruiting

Condition:   COVID
Interventions:   Drug: Sofosbuvir and Ledipasvir;   Drug: Nitazoxanide
Sponsors:   Assiut University;   Helwan University
Recruiting

Condition:   Covid19
Intervention:   Drug: Oxygen
Sponsors:   Ottawa Hospital Research Institute;   Climate Foundation
Not yet recruiting

Condition:   COVID-19
Interventions:   Drug: Favipiravir;   Drug: Lopinavir/ Ritonavir;   Other: Favipiravir Placebo;   Other: Lopinavir/ Ritonavir Placebo
Sponsors:   University College, London;   LifeArc
Not yet recruiting

Conditions:   COVID-19 Infection;   Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Cell Neoplasm;   Malignant Solid Neoplasm
Interventions:   Other: Quality-of-Life Assessment;   Other: Questionnaire Administration
Sponsors:   M.D. Anderson Cancer Center;   National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Recruiting

Conditions:   Anxiety;   Depression;   Insomnia;   Covid19;   Coronavirus
Intervention:  
Sponsor:   Dokuz Eylul University
Recruiting

Conditions:   Covid19;   Influenza A H1N1;   Intubation Complication;   Morality;   Lung Injury, Acute
Intervention:   Diagnostic Test: Lung CT
Sponsors:   Universidad de Guanajuato;   University Medical Center Groningen
Not yet recruiting

Condition:   Frailty
Interventions:   Behavioral: Socialization;   Behavioral: Virtual Group Exercise;   Combination Product: Nutrition Consult and Protein Supplementation;   Behavioral: Medication Review
Sponsor:   McMaster University
Not yet recruiting

COVID-19 control in low-income settings and displaced populations: what can realistically be done?

Confl Health. 2020;14:54

Authors: Dahab M, van Zandvoort K, Flasche S, Warsame A, Ratnayake R, Favas C, Spiegel PB, Waldman RJ, Checchi F

Abstract

COVID-19 prevention strategies in resource limited settings, modelled on the earlier response in high income countries, have thus far focused on draconian containment strategies, which impose movement restrictions on a wide scale. These restrictions are unlikely to prevent cases from surging well beyond existing hospitalisation capacity; not withstanding their likely severe social and economic costs in the long term. We suggest that in low-income countries, time limited movement restrictions should be considered primarily as an opportunity to develop sustainable and resource appropriate mitigation strategies. These mitigation strategies, if focused on reducing COVID-19 transmission through a triad of prevention activities, have the potential to mitigate bed demand and mortality by a considerable extent. This triade is based on a combination of high-uptake of community led shielding of high-risk individuals, self-isolation of mild to moderately symptomatic cases, and moderate physical distancing in the community. We outline a set of principles for communities to consider how to support the protection of the most vulnerable, by shielding them from infection within and outside their homes. We further suggest three potential shielding options, with their likely applicability to different settings, for communities to consider and that would enable them to provide access to transmission-shielded arrangements for the highest risk community members. Importantly, any shielding strategy would need to be predicated on sound, locally informed behavioural science and monitored for effectiveness and evaluating its potential under realistic modelling assumptions. Perhaps, most importantly, it is essential that these strategies not be perceived as oppressive measures and be community led in their design and implementation. This is in order that they can be sustained for an extended period of time, until COVID-19 can be controlled or vaccine and treatment options become available.

PMID: 32754225 [PubMed]

A novel Monte Carlo simulation procedure for modelling COVID-19 spread over time.

Sci Rep. 2020 Aug 04;10(1):13120

Authors: Xie G

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has now spread throughout most countries in the world causing heavy life losses and damaging social-economic impacts. Following a stochastic point process modelling approach, a Monte Carlo simulation model was developed to represent the COVID-19 spread dynamics. First, we examined various expected performances (theoretical properties) of the simulation model assuming a number of arbitrarily defined scenarios. Simulation studies were then performed on the real COVID-19 data reported (over the period of 1 March to 1 May) for Australia and United Kingdom (UK). Given the initial number of COVID-19 infection active cases were around 10 for both countries, the model estimated that the number of active cases would peak around 29 March in Australia (≈ 1,700 cases) and around 22 April in UK (≈ 22,860 cases); ultimately the total confirmed cases could sum to 6,790 for Australia in about 75 days and 206,480 for UK in about 105 days. The results of the estimated COVID-19 reproduction numbers were consistent with what was reported in the literature. This simulation model was considered an effective and adaptable decision making/what-if analysis tool in battling COVID-19 in the immediate need, and for modelling any other infectious diseases in the future.

PMID: 32753639 [PubMed - in process]

Mathematical models and deep learning for predicting the number of individuals reported to be infected with SARS-CoV-2.

J R Soc Interface. 2020 Aug;17(169):20200494

Authors: Fokas AS, Dikaios N, Kastis GA

Abstract

We introduce a novel methodology for predicting the time evolution of the number of individuals in a given country reported to be infected with SARS-CoV-2. This methodology, which is based on the synergy of explicit mathematical formulae and deep learning networks, yields algorithms whose input is only the existing data in the given country of the accumulative number of individuals who are reported to be infected. The analytical formulae involve several constant parameters that were determined from the available data using an error-minimizing algorithm. The same data were also used for the training of a bidirectional long short-term memory network. We applied the above methodology to the epidemics in Italy, Spain, France, Germany, USA and Sweden. The significance of these results for evaluating the impact of easing the lockdown measures is discussed.

PMID: 32752997 [PubMed - in process]

Modelling the Effectiveness of Epidemic Control Measures in Preventing the Transmission of COVID-19 in Malaysia.

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jul 30;17(15):

Authors: Gill BS, Jayaraj VJ, Singh S, Mohd Ghazali S, Cheong YL, Md Iderus NH, Sundram BM, Aris TB, Mohd Ibrahim H, Hong BH, Labadin J

Abstract

Malaysia is currently facing an outbreak of COVID-19. We aim to present the first study in Malaysia to report the reproduction numbers and develop a mathematical model forecasting COVID-19 transmission by including isolation, quarantine, and movement control measures. We utilized a susceptible, exposed, infectious, and recovered (SEIR) model by incorporating isolation, quarantine, and movement control order (MCO) taken in Malaysia. The simulations were fitted into the Malaysian COVID-19 active case numbers, allowing approximation of parameters consisting of probability of transmission per contact (β), average number of contacts per day per case (ζ), and proportion of close-contact traced per day (q). The effective reproduction number (Rt) was also determined through this model. Our model calibration estimated that (β), (ζ), and (q) were 0.052, 25 persons, and 0.23, respectively. The (Rt) was estimated to be 1.68. MCO measures reduce the peak number of active COVID-19 cases by 99.1% and reduce (ζ) from 25 (pre-MCO) to 7 (during MCO). The flattening of the epidemic curve was also observed with the implementation of these control measures. We conclude that isolation, quarantine, and MCO measures are essential to break the transmission of COVID-19 in Malaysia.

PMID: 32751669 [PubMed - in process]

Face Masks and Respirators in the Fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of Current Materials, Advances and Future Perspectives.

Materials (Basel). 2020 Jul 29;13(15):

Authors: O'Dowd K, Nair KM, Forouzandeh P, Mathew S, Grant J, Moran R, Bartlett J, Bird J, Pillai SC

Abstract

The outbreak of COVID-19 has spread rapidly across the globe, greatly affecting how humans as a whole interact, work and go about their daily life. One of the key pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) that is being utilised to return to the norm is the face mask or respirator. In this review we aim to examine face masks and respirators, looking at the current materials in use and possible future innovations that will enhance their protection against SARS-CoV-2. Previous studies concluded that cotton, natural silk and chiffon could provide above 50% efficiency. In addition, it was found that cotton quilt with a highly tangled fibrous nature provides efficient filtration in the small particle size range. Novel designs by employing various filter materials such as nanofibres, silver nanoparticles, and nano-webs on the filter surfaces to induce antimicrobial properties are also discussed in detail. Modification of N95/N99 masks to provide additional filtration of air and to deactivate the pathogens using various technologies such as low- temperature plasma is reviewed. Legislative guidelines for selecting and wearing facial protection are also discussed. The feasibility of reusing these masks will be examined as well as a discussion on the modelling of mask use and the impact wearing them can have. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) models and its applications to minimise or prevent the spread of the virus using face masks and respirators is also addressed. It is concluded that a significant amount of research is required for the development of highly efficient, reusable, anti-viral and thermally regulated face masks and respirators.

PMID: 32751260 [PubMed]

CONCLUSIONS: The incidences of fever, cough and positive CT findings in pregnant women with COVID-19 are less than those in the normal population with COVID-19, but the rate of preterm labor is higher among pregnant with COVID-19 than among normal pregnant women. There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 can spread through vertical transmission.

CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence suggests that COVID-19 during pregnancy rarely affects fetal and neonatal mortality, but can be associated with adverse neonatal morbidities. Vertical transmission has not been observed in the majority of the reported cases. The infants born to mothers with COVID-19 are carefully monitored for accompanying complication, and quarantine of infected mothers is warranted.

CONCLUSION: Vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is possible and appears to occur in a minority of cases of maternal COVID-19 infection in third trimester. Rates of infection are similar to other pathogens that cause congenital infections. However, given the paucity of early trimester data, no assessment can yet be made regarding rates of vertical transmission in early pregnancy as well as potential risk for consequent fetal morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSION: COVID-19 infection in pregnancy leads to increased risk in pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, PPROM, and may possibly lead to maternal death in rare cases. There is no evidence to support vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection to the unborn child. Due to a paucity of inconsistent data regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the newborn, caution should be undertaken to further investigate and monitor possible infection in the neonates born to COVID-19-infected mothers.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests a high rate of maternal and neonatal complications in infected individuals. However, the current scientific evidence highlights a low risk of neonatal infection. Multicentre, cohort studies are needed to better elucidate the role of SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy.

The global outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 spread rapidly throughout the world which transmitted among humans through various routes. Asymptomatic (carriers) and possible fecal-oral transmission, resulted into a large-scale spread. These issues pose great challenges to disease diagnosis and epidemic control. We obtained data on 29 cases of COVID-19 patients in Jinan, China, and reported the clinical data of asymptomatic patients confirmed with stool samples positive. Some patients with gastrointestinal...

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected millions of people worldwide and has contributed to over 650,000 deaths. This review synthesizes the literature on COVID-19 pharmacotherapy to inform practice and policymaking.

AIMS: The immune response is essential for the control and resolution of viral infections. Following the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), several immunotherapies were applied to modulate the immune responses of the affected patients. In this review, we aimed to describe the role of the immune system in response to COVID-19. We also provide a systematic review to collate and describe all published reports of the using immunotherapies, including convalescent plasma therapy,...

A novel coronavirus infection, which began as an outbreak of unusual viral pneumonia in Wuhan, a central city in China, has evolved into a global health crisis. The outbreak is an unembellished reminder of the hazard coronaviruses pose to public health. Government and researchers around the world have been taking swift measures to control the outbreak and conduct aetiological studies to understand the various facets of the outbreak. This review is an attempt at providing an insight about the...

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UK funders learn from COVID-19 'white-water ride'.

Nature. 2020 07;583(7818):683

Authors: Wood L, Watt FM

PMID: 32724144 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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COVID-19 vaccine affordability and accessibility.

Lancet. 2020 07 25;396(10246):238

Authors: Karim SA

PMID: 32711799 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Age-Dependent Progression of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Syrian Hamsters.

Viruses. 2020 07 20;12(7):

Authors: Osterrieder N, Bertzbach LD, Dietert K, Abdelgawad A, Vladimirova D, Kunec D, Hoffmann D, Beer M, Gruber AD, Trimpert J

Abstract

In late 2019, an outbreak of a severe respiratory disease caused by an emerging coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, resulted in high morbidity and mortality in infected humans. Complete understanding of COVID-19, the multi-faceted disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, requires suitable small animal models, as does the development and evaluation of vaccines and antivirals. Since age-dependent differences of COVID-19 were identified in humans, we compared the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection in young and aged Syrian hamsters. We show that virus replication in the upper and lower respiratory tract was independent of the age of the animals. However, older hamsters exhibited more pronounced and consistent weight loss. In situ hybridization in the lungs identified viral RNA in bronchial epithelium, alveolar epithelial cells type I and II, and macrophages. Histopathology revealed clear age-dependent differences, with young hamsters launching earlier and stronger immune cell influx than aged hamsters. The latter developed conspicuous alveolar and perivascular edema, indicating vascular leakage. In contrast, we observed rapid lung recovery at day 14 after infection only in young hamsters. We propose that comparative assessment in young versus aged hamsters of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and treatments may yield valuable information, as this small-animal model appears to mirror age-dependent differences in human patients.

PMID: 32698441 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Ten things we learned about COVID-19.

Intensive Care Med. 2020 Aug;46(8):1590-1593

Authors: Cecconi M, Forni G, Mantovani A

PMID: 32504103 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Race Against Time.

Curr Top Med Chem. 2020;20(16):1434-1437

Authors: Banerjee AK, Arora N

PMID: 32282303 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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The VACCINES Act: Deciphering Vaccine Hesitancy in the Time of COVID-19.

Clin Infect Dis. 2020 07 28;71(15):703-705

Authors: McAteer J, Yildirim I, Chahroudi A

Abstract

Since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit Wuhan, China, in December 2019, scientists have been racing to develop and test novel vaccines to protect against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The speed of scientific discovery related to COVID-19 is unprecedented. With several vaccine candidates already being tested in clinical trials, we pose the question: what will the vaccine hesitant do in the face of this pandemic?

PMID: 32282038 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Un estudio muestra que un 35 % de sujetos expuestos a otros coronavirus desarrolla cierta protección frente a la COVID-19 La revista Nature ha publicado un artículo en el que se muestra que personas nunca contagiadas de la COVID-19 tendrían cierta protección frente al virus. La investigación se ha llevado a cabo por la Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin y el Instituto […]

Además de la temperatura, la oxigenación en la sangre y la frecuencia cardíaca, la voz puede convertirse en un parámetro para ayudar a detectar de manera más rápida a los pacientes con sospecha de COVID-19. Mediante el análisis del habla, investigadores que cuentan con el apoyo de la FAPESP – (Fundación de Apoyo a la Investigación […]

Experimentos realizados en la Universidad de Campinas (Unicamp), en el estado de São Paulo, Brasil) confirman que el nuevo coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) es capaz de generar infección en las células adiposas humanas y de mantenerse en su interior. Este dato puede ayudar a entender por qué las personas obesas corren mayores riesgos de desarrollar la forma […]

Estudios recientes han encontrado que, de forma similar al VIH, el SARS-CoV-2 también puede agotar las células inmunes clave en pacientes con COVID-19, lo que sugiere que se podría requerir un cóctel de medicamentos para tratar a los pacientes infectados con el coronavirus, según un informe del New York Times. Además de afectar los pulmones, […]

WHO RegionalDirectorfor the Americas, Dr Carissa Etienne,has warnedof disruptions toregular health services due to COVID-19. Health workers have beenredirected to care for COVID-19 patients, peopleare hesitatingto seek routine care due to fears of infection, and global supply chains of medicines and equipment are strained.

 This week, the world celebrates Breastfeeding Awareness Weekto highlight the importance of breastfeeding. WHO recommendations on the initiation and continued breastfeeding of infants and young children also apply to mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.As WHO Director-General Dr Tedros mentioned in yesterday’s press briefing, ‘the many, many benefits of breastfeedingfor newborn babies and children substantially outweighthe potential risks for COVID-19 infection.’The WHO Regional Office for Europe has released an article onMarko Obradovic, a paediatric nursein Serbia,whodescribes the challenges and importance of encouraging breastfeeding.

 WHO has been supporting Suriname to addressthe COVID-19 pandemicand has assisted in strengthening Suriname’s health systemand through theUniversal Health Coverage Partnership,with the goal of helping the country achieve universal health coverage.

 Today we include two reports in the ‘Subject in Focus’below. The first discusses a recently released WHO brief on estimating mortality from COVID-19, an extremely useful indicator of the burden of disease that helps guide policy decisions.The second providesa summary of the age and sex distribution of confirmed COVID-19 cases from the WHO COVID-19 global surveillance database fromJanuary to July 2020.

Operational Considerations for Adapting a Contact Tracing Program to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Estos son los titulares:

-Venezuela coordina con OPS adquisición de insumos contra Covid-19

-Curva de Covid-19 tiende a aplanarse en región central de Guatemala

-Dona Cuba a Vietnam fármacos para encarar a la Covid-19

-India registra alta tasa de recuperación de la Covid-19

-Dos millones y medio de casos de Covid-19 en el sur de Asia

-Aseguran en Francia que Covid-19 está controlada, pero hay peligro

-Sudáfrica totaliza 521 mil 318 casos de Covid-19

La Habana, 5 ago (Prensa Latina) Expertos cubanos del Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kourí (IPK) y del Finlay de esta capital participan hoy en el seminario virtual 'Acelerando el acceso a la vacuna contra la Covid-19 en América Latina y el Caribe'.

En China se ensayan otros ocho candidatos a una vacuna contra la Covid-19 dentro y fuera de su territorio.

Estudios afirman que menores de cinco años pueden tener 100 veces más material genético de coronavirus en sus narices.

La institución respondió a quienes recomiendan el uso de esta sustancia para tratar la Covid-19.

MOSCÚ (Sputnik) — Todos los voluntarios que participan en los ensayos clínicos de la vacuna contra el coronavirus desarrollada por el centro ruso de virología y biotecnologías Vector se sienten bien, comunicó a Sputnik el servicio de prensa de la oficina de protección al consumidor, Rospotrebnadzor.

América Latina será uno de los destinos de las exportaciones de vacunas rusas contra el COVID-19, algo que será mucho más palpable para finales del próximo mes de septiembre. Así lo adelantó a Radio Sputnik la directora general del Comité Nacional para la Colaboración Económica con los Países de América Latina [CN CEPLA], Tatiana Mashkova.

You think you're doing OK when out of the blue it hits: a vague uneasiness—a nagging awareness that something isn't right. You're waking up in the middle of the night or you're snapping at your spouse. You miss people, but you don't call them. Fear, loneliness, uncertainty, or some other aspect of the pandemic—and the changes you've had to make—is getting to you.

When COVID-19 struck, health care pivoted hard. Any unnecessary procedures or appointments were postponed. For people with cancer, that pivot was particularly shattering.

A study by University of Nebraska Medical Center researchers provides new evidence of infectious SARS-CoV-2 throughout the environment and in air samples collected in COVID-19 patient care areas. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, almost everyone at the University of California, Irvine—and colleges across the nation—had to abandon campus. But James Nowick, professor of chemistry, was not a part of that exodus. That's because his lab, which designs and constructs chemical molecules, had the right equipment to help in the global push to find treatments for COVID-19.

It's 2021, and the world has a safe vaccine for COVID-19 as well as drugs to treat the disease. But now, we face a serious problem: How do we make billions of doses of the medicines?

In the early stages of COVID-19, much of the focus of demographers - who study populations—has understandably been on mortality and morbidity.

With COVID-19 vaccine developers reporting promising results, it is probable we will one day face a major public health question: can the government compel New Zealanders to be vaccinated?

As states increasingly promote face masks as a way to control the spread of COVID-19, the top-line message has been: Wear a mask to protect others. While it's true that most face masks are more effective in preventing you from launching droplets into the air than breathing in already dispersed droplets—that doesn't mean masks offer no protection to the wearer.

Researchers from the Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CU Medicine) have recently conducted a study to investigate the impact of liver injury on clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Data from over 1,000 COVID-19 patients in Hong Kong was analysed and liver injury was found in around 20% of the patients. The estimated risk of COVID-19 patients with liver injury experiencing adverse clinical outcomes such as intensive care unit (ICU) admission, use of invasive mechanical ventilation or death was almost eight times of other patients. It is suggested that liver function monitoring is important regarding its association with adverse clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. These findings have been published recently in the world-renowned medical journal Gut. In view of the high prevalence of various chronic liver diseases in the Asia-Pacific region, CU Medicine's researchers led a group of experts from Mainland China, Japan, Singapore and Australia to issue a position statement on the management of COVID-19 patients with liver derangement. The statement has been published recently in another international medical journal The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology.

A physician overseeing a clinical trial in Washington for Moderna's coronavirus vaccine has warned it will be impossible to tell how well it works without recruiting enough elderly and ethnic minority volunteers.

Investigadores de Taiwán identificaron un tipo de frijol con gran potencial para combatir la pandemia de COVID-19. El 'Lablab purpureus', también conocido como frijol egipcio o chaucha japonesa, contiene una proteína que demostró eficacia contra distintos virus de influenza (gripe), y también frente al SARS-CoV-2.