Para COVID-19 se estudiaron 2 mil 714 muestras, resultando 13 muestras positivas. El país acumula 234 mil 817 muestras realizadas y 2 mil 462 positivas (1,05 %).  Por tanto, al cierre del día de ayer se confirman 13 nuevos casos, para un acumulado de 2 mil 462 en el país.

Los 13 casos confirmados fueron cubanos. De los diagnosticados 12 (92,3%) fueron contactos de casos confirmados y en 1 (7,7%) no se precisa la fuente de infección. De ellos 6 (46,1%) fueron femeninas y 7 (53,8%) masculinos. Por grupos de edades: de 20 a 40 años con 5 casos (38,5%), seguido de los menores de 20 y el grupo de 41 a 60 años, con 4 casos cada uno (30,7%) respectivamente. El 61,5% (8) de los casos positivos fueron asintomáticos.

This Viewpoint discusses the inequalities underlying the preferential spread of COVID-19 and of economic hardship in lower-income communities of color in the US, and sees the national protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement as a natural consequence of those inequities and an opportunity to change the systems that create them.

More than 110 000 people have died in the US because of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, a pathogen that was unknown just 6 months ago. Ubiquitous fear and anxiety that accompanied the emergence of the new coronavirus led to widespread limits on physical contact in attempts to mitigate the spread of the virus. That in turn brought the US economy to a halt, resulting in more than 40 million people filing for unemployment, approximating numbers not seen since the Great Depression of the 1930s. In the past month, the killing of several unarmed black men and women—Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd— has spurred widespread civil unrest, with night after night of demonstrations demanding reform of systems of policing that have disproportionately harmed black people for centuries.

These 3 events, the pandemic, massive unemployment, and the recent protests, have occurred concurrently. Federal and state officials offer daily summaries of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases and deaths. At the same time, millions of people across the country have been adversely affected by unanticipated unemployment, with higher unemployment rates among black and Hispanic workers compared with white workers. The resurgence of anger at long-standing racism and racial inequities was added to the anxiety and tension of the pandemic, creating a combustible scene of national civil unrest. Deep political divisions have shaped the moment from the start. Partisan divides have informed opinions around the extent of a national shutdown needed to mitigate pandemic spread, a pandemic that has disproportionately led to the deaths of black people, and about how to address the legitimate concerns of thousands of individuals protesting the murder of black men and women.

This Viewpoint discusses the necessity and prospects for health care reform in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, reviewing policy options to fund universal coverage, incentivize efficiencies, and reduce political opposition to change.

This cohort study estimates associations between mode of delivery (vaginal vs cesarean delivery) and maternal and neonatal birth outcomes among SARS-CoV-2–infected women giving birth in Spain.

The pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS) now described in association with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has generated considerable interest, both for its severity and delayed emergence in an age group largely spared the complications of primary infection, but also for its overlapping clinical features with Kawasaki disease (KD), the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in high-income countries. This has prompted considerable discussion that the 2 conditions could have different or shared etiologic and pathophysiologic pathways.

Emerg Infect Dis;26(7):1478-1488, 2020. [Article]

Abstract

A new coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has recently emerged to cause a human pandemic Although molecular diagnostic tests were rapidly developed, serologic assays are still lacking, yet urgently needed Validated serologic assays are needed for contact tracing, identifying the viral reservoir, and epidemiologic studies We developed serologic assays for detection of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing, spike protein-specific, and nucleocapsid-specific antibodies Using serum samples from patients with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections, other coronaviruses, or other respiratory pathogenic infections, we validated and tested various antigens in different in-house and commercial ELISAs We demonstrated that most PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2-infected persons seroconverted by 2 weeks after disease onset We found that commercial S1 IgG or IgA ELISAs were of lower specificity, and sensitivity varied between the 2 assays;the IgA ELISA showed higher sensitivity Overall, the validated assays described can be instrumental for detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies for diagnostic, seroepidemiologic, and vaccine evaluation studies

The Lancet;2020. [Article]

Emerg. infect. dis;2020. [Article]

Abstract

Little data are available on the management of pregnant women infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) We conducted a retrospective study of 100 pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection in 4 obstetric units in the Paris metropolitan area of France during March 12-April 13, 2020 Among patients, 52 (52%) were hospitalized, 10 (10%) in intensive care units (ICUs) Women with higher body mass indexes (BMIs;median 30 7 kg/m2) were more likely to be hospitalized in ICUs than other women (median BMI 26 2 kg/m2) Women hospitalized in ICUs had lower lymphocyte count at diagnosis (median 0 77 × 109 cells/L) than women not hospitalized in ICUs (median lymphocyte count 1 15 × 109 cells/L) All women requiring oxygen >5 L/min were intubated Clinical and laboratory evaluation of SARS-CoV-2-positive pregnant women at the time of diagnosis can identify patients at risk for ICU hospitalization

NEJM;2020. [Article]

NEJM;2020. [Article]

Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol;2020. [Article]

NEJM;2020. [Article]

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report;69(24):751, 2020. [Article]

Cellular & Molecular Immunology;2020. [Article]

Cell Research;2020. [Article]

NEJM;2020. [Article]

JAMA;2020. [Article]

Lancet Glob Health;2020. [Article]

The Lancet;2020. [Article]

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus which has proven to be highly contagious. Specific viral dynamics and immune response to the virus are yet to be fully defined and determining the sensitivity and specificity of the available testing methods is still a work in progress. This study examines the published information on the testing methods, and finds that yield of COVID-19 tests changes with specimen types and with time through course of illness. We propose a sequential battery of testing consisting of...

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Self-amplifying RNA SARS-CoV-2 lipid nanoparticle vaccine candidate induces high neutralizing antibody titers in mice.

Nat Commun. 2020 07 09;11(1):3523

Authors: McKay PF, Hu K, Blakney AK, Samnuan K, Brown JC, Penn R, Zhou J, Bouton CR, Rogers P, Polra K, Lin PJC, Barbosa C, Tam YK, Barclay WS, Shattock RJ

Abstract

The spread of the SARS-CoV-2 into a global pandemic within a few months of onset motivates the development of a rapidly scalable vaccine. Here, we present a self-amplifying RNA encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein encapsulated within a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) as a vaccine. We observe remarkably high and dose-dependent SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody titers in mouse sera, as well as robust neutralization of both a pseudo-virus and wild-type virus. Upon further characterization we find that the neutralization is proportional to the quantity of specific IgG and of higher magnitude than recovered COVID-19 patients. saRNA LNP immunizations induce a Th1-biased response in mice, and there is no antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) observed. Finally, we observe high cellular responses, as characterized by IFN-γ production, upon re-stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 peptides. These data provide insight into the vaccine design and evaluation of immunogenicity to enable rapid translation to the clinic.

PMID: 32647131 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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A plea for the pathogenic role of immune complexes in severe Covid-19.

Clin Immunol. 2020 08;217:108493

Authors: Vuitton DA, Vuitton L, Seillès E, Galanaud P

PMID: 32526273 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Antibody-dependent enhancement and COVID-19: Moving toward acquittal.

Clin Immunol. 2020 08;217:108496

Authors: Yager EJ

PMID: 32526272 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Condition:   COVID-19
Interventions:   Drug: Decitabine;   Other: Placebo Saline
Sponsor:   Johns Hopkins University
Recruiting

Condition:   COVID-19
Intervention:  
Sponsors:   University Hospital, Bordeaux;   Programme Hospitalier de Recherche Clinique Inter-Régionale (PHRC-I)
Not yet recruiting

Condition:   COVID-19
Intervention:   Behavioral: Training video on anxiety, fear and loneliness in the COVID-19 environment.
Sponsor:   Corporacion Parc Tauli
Not yet recruiting

Condition:   COVID-19
Intervention:   Diagnostic Test: COVID 19 serology
Sponsor:   University Hospital, Toulouse
Not yet recruiting

Condition:   COVID-19 Infection
Interventions:   Other: Media Intervention;   Procedure: Meditation Therapy;   Other: Quality-of-Life Assessment;   Other: Questionnaire Administration;   Procedure: Yoga
Sponsors:   M.D. Anderson Cancer Center;   National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Recruiting

Condition:   Severe COVID-19 Disease
Interventions:   Biological: RAPA-501-Allo off-the-shelf Therapy of COVID-19;   Other: Placebo
Sponsors:   Rapa Therapeutics LLC;   Hackensack Meridian Health
Not yet recruiting

Condition:   COVID-19
Intervention:   Diagnostic Test: Presence of specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies
Sponsor:   Ministerio de Salud de Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires
Not yet recruiting

Conditions:   Pulmonary Rehabilitation;   COVID-19
Interventions:   Other: Remote controlled exercise;   Other: Home exercise
Sponsor:   Koç University
Not yet recruiting

Condition:   Covid19
Intervention:   Diagnostic Test: Face mask sampling
Sponsors:   University of Leicester;   University Hospitals, Leicester
Recruiting

Condition:   Covid19
Interventions:   Drug: ATI-450;   Drug: Placebo
Sponsor:   University of Kansas Medical Center
Not yet recruiting

Condition:   Covid19
Intervention:   Other: Nursing care to reduce anxiety, fear and loneliness
Sponsor:   Corporacion Parc Tauli
Not yet recruiting

Conditions:   COVID-19;   Vitamin D Deficiency;   Respiratory Viral Infection
Interventions:   Drug: Daily Vitamin D3;   Drug: Daily placebo;   Drug: Bolus vitamin D3;   Drug: Bolus placebo
Sponsors:   Medical University of South Carolina;   Grassroots Health Nutrition Institute;   ZRT Laboratory
Recruiting

Conditions:   Acute Lung Injury/Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS);   Respiratory Failure;   Sars-CoV2
Interventions:   Drug: Rapamycin;   Drug: Placebo
Sponsors:   The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio;   Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center
Not yet recruiting

Conditions:   COVID;   Covid-19;   Corona Virus Infection;   Coronavirus Infection;   Coronavirus-19;   SARS-CoV2;   SARS-CoV Infection
Interventions:   Drug: Ivermectin;   Drug: Doxycycline Hcl;   Dietary Supplement: Zinc;   Dietary Supplement: Vitamin D3;   Dietary Supplement: Vitamin C
Sponsor:   ProgenaBiome
Not yet recruiting

Condition:   SARS-CoV-2
Interventions:   Biological: ARCT-021 Dose 1;   Biological: ARCT-021 Dose 2;   Biological: ARCT-021 Dose 3;   Biological: ARCT-021 Dose Regimen 1;   Biological: ARCT-021 Dose Regimen 2;   Other: Placebo
Sponsor:   Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc.
Not yet recruiting

Condition:   Infection Viral
Intervention:   Other: Health Questionnaire
Sponsor:   University Hospital, Limoges
Not yet recruiting

Condition:   Pulmonary Fibrosis
Interventions:   Drug: Genistein;   Drug: Placebo
Sponsors:   Humanetics Corporation;   NYU Langone Health;   National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Not yet recruiting

Condition:   Stress
Intervention:   Other: Yoga
Sponsor:   Doncaster And Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Recruiting

Condition:   Economic Burden
Intervention:  
Sponsor:   Aga Khan University
Completed

Condition:   Coronavirus
Intervention:   Device: CT of the chest
Sponsor:   Assiut University
Not yet recruiting

Conditions:   Visual Impairment;   Amblyopia Suspect
Intervention:   Device: DigiVis visual acuity app
Sponsor:   Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Not yet recruiting

[Contact-Tracing Apps in Contact Tracing of COVID-19].

Gesundheitswesen. 2020 Jul 21;:

Authors: Jahnel T, Kernebeck S, Böbel S, Buchner B, Grill E, Hinck S, Ranisch R, Rothenbacher D, Schüz B, Starke D, Wienert J, Zeeb H, Gerhardus A

Abstract

Contact tracing is currently one of the most effective measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to identify persons that would otherwise not be known or remembered and to keep the time delay when reporting an infection and when contacting people as short as possible, digital contact tracing using smartphones seems to be a reasonable measure additional to manual contact tracing. Although first modelling studies predicted a positive effect in terms of prompt contact tracing, no empirically reliable data are as yet available, neither on the population-wide benefit nor on the potential risks of contact tracing apps. Risk-benefit assessment of such an app includes investigating whether such an app fulfils its purpose, as also research on the effectiveness, risks and side effects, and implementation processes (e. g. planning and inclusion of different participants). The aim of this article was to give an overview of possible public health benefits as well as technical, social, legal and ethical aspects of a contact-tracing app in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, conditions for the widest possible use of the app are presented.

PMID: 32693420 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Impact of self-imposed prevention measures and short-term government-imposed social distancing on mitigating and delaying a COVID-19 epidemic: A modelling study.

PLoS Med. 2020 Jul;17(7):e1003166

Authors: Teslya A, Pham TM, Godijk NG, Kretzschmar ME, Bootsma MCJ, Rozhnova G

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread to nearly every country in the world since it first emerged in China in December 2019. Many countries have implemented social distancing as a measure to "flatten the curve" of the ongoing epidemics. Evaluation of the impact of government-imposed social distancing and of other measures to control further spread of COVID-19 is urgent, especially because of the large societal and economic impact of the former. The aim of this study was to compare the individual and combined effectiveness of self-imposed prevention measures and of short-term government-imposed social distancing in mitigating, delaying, or preventing a COVID-19 epidemic.

METHODS AND FINDINGS: We developed a deterministic compartmental transmission model of SARS-CoV-2 in a population stratified by disease status (susceptible, exposed, infectious with mild or severe disease, diagnosed, and recovered) and disease awareness status (aware and unaware) due to the spread of COVID-19. Self-imposed measures were assumed to be taken by disease-aware individuals and included handwashing, mask-wearing, and social distancing. Government-imposed social distancing reduced the contact rate of individuals irrespective of their disease or awareness status. The model was parameterized using current best estimates of key epidemiological parameters from COVID-19 clinical studies. The model outcomes included the peak number of diagnoses, attack rate, and time until the peak number of diagnoses. For fast awareness spread in the population, self-imposed measures can significantly reduce the attack rate and diminish and postpone the peak number of diagnoses. We estimate that a large epidemic can be prevented if the efficacy of these measures exceeds 50%. For slow awareness spread, self-imposed measures reduce the peak number of diagnoses and attack rate but do not affect the timing of the peak. Early implementation of short-term government-imposed social distancing alone is estimated to delay (by at most 7 months for a 3-month intervention) but not to reduce the peak. The delay can be even longer and the height of the peak can be additionally reduced if this intervention is combined with self-imposed measures that are continued after government-imposed social distancing has been lifted. Our analyses are limited in that they do not account for stochasticity, demographics, heterogeneities in contact patterns or mixing, spatial effects, imperfect isolation of individuals with severe disease, and reinfection with COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that information dissemination about COVID-19, which causes individual adoption of handwashing, mask-wearing, and social distancing, can be an effective strategy to mitigate and delay the epidemic. Early initiated short-term government-imposed social distancing can buy time for healthcare systems to prepare for an increasing COVID-19 burden. We stress the importance of disease awareness in controlling the ongoing epidemic and recommend that, in addition to policies on social distancing, governments and public health institutions mobilize people to adopt self-imposed measures with proven efficacy in order to successfully tackle COVID-19.

PMID: 32692736 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Using statistics and mathematical modelling to understand infectious disease outbreaks: COVID-19 as an example.

Infect Dis Model. 2020;5:409-441

Authors: Overton CE, Stage HB, Ahmad S, Curran-Sebastian J, Dark P, Das R, Fearon E, Felton T, Fyles M, Gent N, Hall I, House T, Lewkowicz H, Pang X, Pellis L, Sawko R, Ustianowski A, Vekaria B, Webb L

Abstract

During an infectious disease outbreak, biases in the data and complexities of the underlying dynamics pose significant challenges in mathematically modelling the outbreak and designing policy. Motivated by the ongoing response to COVID-19, we provide a toolkit of statistical and mathematical models beyond the simple SIR-type differential equation models for analysing the early stages of an outbreak and assessing interventions. In particular, we focus on parameter estimation in the presence of known biases in the data, and the effect of non-pharmaceutical interventions in enclosed subpopulations, such as households and care homes. We illustrate these methods by applying them to the COVID-19 pandemic.

PMID: 32691015 [PubMed]

Role of modelling in COVID-19 policy development.

Paediatr Respir Rev. 2020 Jun 18;:

Authors: McBryde ES, Meehan MT, Adegboye OA, Adekunle AI, Caldwell JM, Pak A, Rojas DP, Williams BM, Trauer JM

Abstract

Models have played an important role in policy development to address the COVID-19 outbreak from its emergence in China to the current global pandemic. Early projections of international spread influenced travel restrictions and border closures. Model projections based on the virus's infectiousness demonstrated its pandemic potential, which guided the global response to and prepared countries for increases in hospitalisations and deaths. Tracking the impact of distancing and movement policies and behaviour changes has been critical in evaluating these decisions. Models have provided insights into the epidemiological differences between higher and lower income countries, as well as vulnerable population groups within countries to help design fit-for-purpose policies. Economic evaluation and policies have combined epidemic models and traditional economic models to address the economic consequences of COVID-19, which have informed policy calls for easing restrictions. Social contact and mobility models have allowed evaluation of the pathways to safely relax mobility restrictions and distancing measures. Finally, models can consider future end-game scenarios, including how suppression can be achieved and the impact of different vaccination strategies.

PMID: 32690354 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Background: The unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on modern society has ignited a "gold rush" for effective treatment and diagnostic strategies, with a significant diversion of economic, scientific, and human resources toward dedicated clinical research. We aimed to describe trends in this rapidly changing landscape to inform adequate resource allocation. Methods: We developed an online repository (COVID Trial Monitor) to analyze in real time the growth rate, geographical...

(1) Background: The global threat of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues. The diversity of clinical characteristics and progress are reported in many countries as the duration of the pandemic is prolonged. We aimed to perform a novel systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on findings about correlations between clinical characteristics and laboratory features of patients with COVID-19. (2) Methods: We analyzed cases of COVID-19 in different countries by searching PubMed, Embase,...

CONCLUSIONS: Intensive clinical trials on the treatment of COVID-19 using traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine are ongoing or will be performed in China. However, based on the uncertain methodological quality, small sample size, and long trial duration, we will not be able to obtain reliable, high-quality clinical evidence regarding the treatment of COVID-19 in the near future. Improving the quality of study design, prioritizing promising drugs, and using different designs and...

Background: The unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on modern society has ignited a "gold rush" for effective treatment and diagnostic strategies, with a significant diversion of economic, scientific, and human resources toward dedicated clinical research. We aimed to describe trends in this rapidly changing landscape to inform adequate resource allocation. Methods: We developed an online repository (COVID Trial Monitor) to analyze in real time the growth rate, geographical...

CONCLUSIONS: Intensive clinical trials on the treatment of COVID-19 using traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine are ongoing or will be performed in China. However, based on the uncertain methodological quality, small sample size, and long trial duration, we will not be able to obtain reliable, high-quality clinical evidence regarding the treatment of COVID-19 in the near future. Improving the quality of study design, prioritizing promising drugs, and using different designs and...

The asymptomatic infection of SARS-CoV-2 has now become the focus of epidemic control in Wuhan. Cancer patients, a large population of immunocompromised individuals, have been observed to have a higher risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. 1 However, reports on cancer patients with asymptomatic infection are still scarce. 2

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Trained innate immunity, COVID-19 therapeutic dilemma, and fake science.

Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2020;75:e2124

Authors: Belizário JE

PMID: 32667492 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Covid-19 : after Ebola, towards a new emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in Africa?

Virologie (Montrouge). 2020 06 01;24(3):147-152

Authors: Comité de Crise de la Société Française de Virologie

PMID: 32657278 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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The need for fast-track, high-quality and low-cost studies about the role of the BCG vaccine in the fight against COVID-19.

Respir Res. 2020 Jul 11;21(1):178

Authors: Pereira M, Paixão E, Trajman A, de Souza RA, da Natividade MS, Pescarini JM, Pereira SM, Barreto FR, Ximenes R, Dalcomo M, Ichihara MY, Nunes C, Barral-Netto M, Barreto ML

Abstract

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination is routine and near-universal in many low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). It has been suggested that BCG can have a protective effect on COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. This commentary discusses the limitations of the evidence around BCG and COVID-19. We argue that higher-quality evidence is necessary to understand the protective effect of the BCG vaccine from existing, secondary data, while we await results from clinical trials currently conducted in different settings.

PMID: 32653040 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Energetics and IC50 based epitope screening in SARS CoV-2 (COVID 19) spike protein by immunoinformatic analysis implicating for a suitable vaccine development.

J Transl Med. 2020 07 10;18(1):281

Authors: Banerjee A, Santra D, Maiti S

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The recent outbreak by SARS-CoV-2 has generated a chaos in global health and economy and claimed/infected a large number of lives. Closely resembling with SARS CoV, the present strain has manifested exceptionally higher degree of spreadability, virulence and stability possibly due to some unidentified mutations. The viral spike glycoprotein is very likely to interact with host Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmits its genetic materials and hijacks host machinery with extreme fidelity for self propagation. Few attempts have been made to develop a suitable vaccine or ACE2 blocker or virus-receptor inhibitor within this short period of time.

METHODS: Here, attempt was taken to develop some therapeutic and vaccination strategies with a comparison of spike glycoproteins among SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and the SARS-CoV-2. We verified their structure quality (SWISS-MODEL, Phyre2, and Pymol) topology (ProFunc), motifs (MEME Suite, GLAM2Scan), gene ontology based conserved domain (InterPro database) and screened several epitopes (SVMTrip) of SARS CoV-2 based on their energetics, IC50 and antigenicity with regard to their possible glycosylation and MHC/paratope binding (Vaxigen v2.0, HawkDock, ZDOCK Server) effects.

RESULTS: We screened here few pairs of spike protein epitopic regions and selected their energetic, Inhibitory Concentration50 (IC50), MHC II reactivity and found some of those to be very good target for vaccination. A possible role of glycosylation on epitopic region showed profound effects on epitopic recognition.

CONCLUSION: The present work might be helpful for the urgent development of a suitable vaccination regimen against SARS CoV-2.

PMID: 32650788 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Are Genetic Vaccines the Right Weapon against COVID-19?

Mol Ther. 2020 07 08;28(7):1555-1556

Authors: Conforti A, Marra E, Roscilli G, Palombo F, Ciliberto G, Aurisicchio L

PMID: 32553431 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

This research note investigates the optimal size of pools for pooled, COVID-19 testing when positive pools will be followed up by individual tests of pool members. Formulae for the optimum are derived and provided. The analysis indicates that - optimal pool sizes are unlikely to exceed about 20 individuals in realistic situations, - optimal pool size is influenced by prevalence in the population and the extent to which infection is clustered within the population, and, - pools are most efficiently comprised of people with homogeneous risk, with heterogeneity across pools.

In this projection exercise, we analyzed the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh and used multiple methods to characterize the epidemic curve. We merged several publicly available data sets for the purpose. Projections using actual Government data as of June 16, 2020 reveals that the epidemic curve for Bangladesh may be different from that of developed countries and quite similar to such curves in countries in the region. This is true, both in terms of incidence of cases (total number of cases per million population) and length of the epidemic (months to peak or flatten the epidemic curve). We find that while Bangladesh went into lockdown early, efforts to maintain lockdown at a national level was relaxed and new cases accelerated; with significant growth happening since lifting of lockdown on May 31. Our estimates indicate prevalence of COVID-19 may be between 200,000 and 600,000 towards end of the year, may take 9 months (270 days) to flatten the epidemic curve, lifting of the lockdown may have increased total cases by 60 to 100% and may have prolonged the epidemic by additional 2-3 months.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has led to the development of new serological assays that could aid in diagnosis and evaluation of seroprevalence to inform an understanding of the burden of COVID-19 disease. Many available tests lack rigorous evaluation and therefore results may be misleading. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the performance of a novel multiplexed immunoassay for simultaneous detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 trimeric spike (S), spike receptor binding domain (RBD), spike N terminal domain and nucleocapsid and a novel pseudo-neutralisation assay. Methods: A multiplexed solid-phase chemiluminescence assay (MesoScaleDiscovery) was evaluated for the simultaneous detection of IgG binding to four SARS-CoV-2 antigens and the quantification of ACE-2 binding inhibition (pseudo-neutralisation assay). Sensitivity was evaluated with a total of 196 COVID-19 serum samples (169 confirmed PCR positive and 27 anti-nucleocapsid IgG positive) from individuals with mild symptomatic or asymptomatic disease. Specificity was evaluated with 194 control serum samples collected from adults prior to December 2019. Results: The specificity and sensitivity of the binding IgG assay was highest for S protein with a specificity of 97.4% and sensitivity of 96.2% for samples taken 14 days and 97.9% for samples taken 21 days following the onset of symptoms. IgG concentration to S and RBD correlated strongly with percentage inhibition measured by the pseudo-neutralisation assay. Conclusion: Excellent sensitivity for IgG detection was obtained over 14 days since onset of symptoms for three SARS-CoV-2 antigens (S, RBD and N) in this multiplexed assay which can also measure antibody functionality.

Objectives To understand humoral dynamics following SARS-CoV-2 infection Design Prospective Cohort Study Setting Great Ormond Street Hospital (Central London Paediatric Hospital) Participants 67 healthcare workers aged >18 years who provided monthly serial serological samples from 29th April 2020 until 30th June 2020. Main outcome measures The change in monthly serial antibody titers to SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein (N), spike protein and the receptor binding domain of the spike protein. Results The mean estimated half-life of the nucleoprotein antibody was 52 days (95% CI 42-65). The spike and RBD antibody had significantly longer mean half-lives of 81 days (95% CI 61-111) and 83 days (95% CI 55-137) respectively. An ACE-2 receptor competition assay demonstrated significant correlation between the spike and RBD antibody titers and ACE2 receptor blocking in-vitro. The time to a negative nucleoprotein antibody test for 50% of the seropositive population was predicted to be 195 days (95% CI 163-236). Conclusions After SARS-CoV-2 infection, the predicted half-life of nucleoprotein antibody was 52 days with 50% of seropositives becoming seronegative to this antibody at 195 days. Widely used serological tests including the Public Health England endorsed assay that depend on the nucleoprotein antibody will therefore underestimate the true prevalence of infection within a year following the majority of infections.

La Ministra de Comercio Interior, el Ministro de Comercio Exterior e Inversión Extranjera y directivos de las cadenas de tiendas comparecen este miércoles en la Mesa Redonda para informar sobre las acciones de esos organismos en la actual etapa de la recuperación Pos-Covid-19 y las acciones que le corresponden en la Estrategia Económico-Social del país, aprobada recientemente por el Consejo de Ministros.

... Biotecnólogo, Académico de mérito y Asesor del Grupo del Grupo de las Industrias Biotecnológica y Farmaucética de Cuba (BioCubaFarma).

Científicos de la Universidad Estadual Paulista (Unesp) con sede en la localidad de Botucatu, en Brasil, identificaron dos genes altamente expresados en la placenta humana que codifican proteínas que podrían hacer las veces de “puertas alternativas” de entrada del nuevo coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) a las células: la dipeptidil peptidasa 4 (DPP4) y la catepsina L (CTSL). […]

• Follow national and local guidance
• Practice safe behaviors when you are outside your home
• Make sure your medicine does not run out

El grupo temporal de trabajo para la prevención y control del nuevo coronavirus, encabezado por el Presidente de la República y el Primer Ministro, continuó este martes el examen de la situación epidemiológica del país y de la marcha de las medidas para las fases en que se encuentran las provincias de La Habana, Matanzas, Camagüey y Las Tunas.

Foto: Caja Costarricense de Seguro SocialSan José, 22 jul (Prensa Latina) La hipertensión, la diabetes y la obesidad constituyen hoy las tres causas más comunes en los pacientes con Covid-19 que requieren ser hospitalizados en Costa Rica, reveló la Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS).

Una vacuna contra el nuevo coronavirus desarrollada por la biofarmacéutica china CanSino Biologics y la unidad de investigación militar del país asiático resulta segura y capaz de inducir respuestas inmunes en la mayoría de los pacientes, según revela un estudio en humanos de fase 2. Ha sido probada en 508 adultos sanos no expuestos a la COVID-19.

MOSCÚ (Sputnik) — El primer ministro ruso, Mijaíl Mishustin, aseguró, citando a la oficina nacional de protección al consumidor (Rospotrebnadzor), que cuatro vacunas producidas en Rusia mostraron ser seguras.

"Actualmente hay 17 centros de investigación y más de 26 tipos de vacunas, eso es lo que sabemos hoy por hoy. Cuatro vacunas, según comunica Rospotrebnadzor, han demostrado su seguridad", dijo el jefe del Gabinete ruso en una intervención ante la Duma.

With the global pandemic still in full swing, scientists are working to develop a vaccine in record time. While everyone wants an effective vaccine, they don't all agree on how to get there and what "effective" really means. Chemical & Engineering News, the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society, spoke with researchers, doctors and business leaders to shed light on some of the challenges vaccine developers are facing. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown up unimaginable challenges for healthcare workers. Even simple outpatient procedures such as endoscopies can expose staff to the risk of infection.

Hay límites para el modelo. No tiene en cuenta la demografía, ni explica el aislamiento imperfecto de las personas que están enfermas con covid-19, lo ...

Este científico advirtió años atrás de una posible pandemia de coronavirus y ... No obstante, a propósito de esta pandemia de COVID-19, los autores, ...

Un análisis realizado por investigadores de la universidad King's College London, en Reino Unido, reduce a seis los "tipos" de covid-19, cada uno ...

La futura vacuna contra el COVID-19 desarrollada por la universidad de Oxford en alianza con AstraZeneca será vendida "a precio de costo" en todo ...

Cancer patients diagnosed more than 24 months ago are more likely to have a severe COVID-19 infection, research has found. Cancer patients of Asian ethnicity or who were receiving palliative treatment for cancer were also at a higher risk of death from COVID-19.

Researchers from the Department of Computer Architecture and Technology at the University of Seville's School of Computer Engineering (ETSII) are working on a system that uses X-ray images of patients' lungs to help diagnose COVID-19. This system uses deep learning to train a neural network model that can distinguish between healthy patients, pneumonia patients and COVID-19 patients. This has been achieved using a freely accessible online database that medical professionals from around the world have been feeding with lung X-rays since the onset of the pandemic.

As the world continues to watch the number of COVID-19 cases increase (and daily records being broken), patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis, aka chronic fatigue syndrome, want to tell those recovering from coronavirus to listen up.

Mechanical engineering associate professor Jiangtao Cheng and electrical and computer engineering assistant professor Wei Zhou have developed an ultrasensitive biosensing method that could dramatically shorten the amount of time required to verify the presence of the COVID-19 virus in a sample. Their peer-reviewed research was published in ACS Nano on June 29.

La enfermedad COVID-19 afecta de distintas maneras a cada persona, aunque la mayoría de los que se contagian presenta síntomas de intensidad ...

Junto a las medidas de higiene, mantenerse informado por fuentes oficiales y confiables es fundamental durante la pandemia. | Foto: teleSUR.