Climate:
Authors from UC, Irvine warn of increased domestic violence during the pandemic, as was seen in past national disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, and advocates for increased allocation of resources to this disproportionately affected population.
Epidemiology:
Italian dermatologists organize cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 into 2 groups:
1. Inflammatory exanthems – Erythematous, morbilliform, urticarial, and papulovesicular. 2. Vasculitis - chilblain lesions, livedo reticularis, and purpura.
Authors raise concern for a second wave of COVID-19 in cities that are reopening too rapidly. They state that containment efforts should include three aspects: 1) "Movement restriction" 2) "Active case finding and reporting" 3) "Lockdown of active outbreak areas"
Transmission and Prevention:
Researchers inoculated plasma and whole blood with SARS-CoV-2 before treating it with UV light and riboflavin (a photosensitizer). Levels of the virus fell below level of detection within plasma and were reduced by a mean of 3.30 log units in whole blood. suggesting this may be a viable strategy to prevent transfusion-related transmission.
Researchers from India discuss the current limitations to contact tracing in resource limited areas, and suggest that individuals should be "encouraged to maintain their own contact list on a daily basis" to aid in public health efforts.
Management:
A study of 100 patients in France utilized the Apple Watch ECG feature to effectively monitor QT-intervals in at-risk patients, suggesting that 1-lead ECGs may be effective in quarantined outpatients receiving QT prolonging medications.
A large observational study of 2,075 hospitalized patients in Spain found the administration of heparin was associated with lower mortality, suggesting prevention against COVID-19 coagulopathy.
Adjusting Practice:
A prospective study in a non-hot spot region of Ohio found that fear of COVID-19 increased door-to-balloon time in STEMI presentations during the post-COVID-19 period. Authors propose telemedicine may be an effective means of increasing access to care.
R&D Diagnosis and Treatment:
A systematic review and meta-analysis found the accuracy of chest CT for COVID-19 to be 94.6% sensitivity and 46.0% specificity , suggesting a relatively high sensitivity and potential aid to increase negative predictive value .
Mental Health and Resilience:
Art therapy to address the mental health challenges surrounding isolation and fear amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Authors from George Fox University describe how art therapy can be used to promote resilience and mindfulness.
A cross-sectional study of mental health in Australia found that participants with a history of an eating disorder reported increased restrictive behaviors and exercise. Those without a history of an eating disorder also reported increased restrictive behaviors, but decreased exercise. This highlights the importance of promoting healthy eating habits for all populations.
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