scholarly journals The COVID-19 pandemic: a global health crisis

2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (11) ◽  
pp. 549-557
Author(s):  
Casey A. Pollard ◽  
Michael P. Morran ◽  
Andrea L. Nestor-Kalinoski
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
The United States ◽  
Viral Envelope ◽  
Lung Epithelial Cells ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 was identified as the causative agent for a series of atypical respiratory diseases in the Hubei Province of Wuhan, China in December of 2019. The disease SARS-CoV-2, termed COVID-19, was officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. SARS-CoV-2 contains a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome surrounded by an extracellular membrane containing a series of spike glycoproteins resembling a crown. COVID-19 infection results in diverse symptoms and morbidity depending on individual genetics, ethnicity, age, and geographic location. In severe cases, COVID-19 pathophysiology includes destruction of lung epithelial cells, thrombosis, hypercoagulation, and vascular leak leading to sepsis. These events lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and subsequent pulmonary fibrosis in patients. COVID-19 risk factors include cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes, which are highly prevalent in the United States. This population has upregulation of the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor, which is exploited by COVID-19 as the route of entry and infection. Viral envelope proteins bind to and degrade ACE2 receptors, thus preventing normal ACE2 function. COVID-19 infection causes imbalances in ACE2 and induces an inflammatory immune response, known as a cytokine storm, both of which amplify comorbidities within the host. Herein, we discuss the genetics, pathogenesis, and possible therapeutics of COVID-19 infection along with secondary complications associated with disease progression, including ARDS and pulmonary fibrosis. Understanding the mechanisms of COVID-19 infection will allow the development of vaccines or other novel therapeutic approaches to prevent transmission or reduce the severity of infection.

scholarly journals Viability of Bacillus subtilis Cells in Airborne Bioaerosols on Face Masks

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1496
Author(s):  
Eun-Hee Lee ◽  
Yunsoo Chang ◽  
Seung-Woo Lee
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
World Health ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Fine Dust ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Viable Cells ◽  
Mask Material ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Sand Dust

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a general health crisis and has irreversible impacts on human societies. Globally, all people are at risk of being exposed to the novel coronavirus through transmission of airborne bioaerosols. Public health actions, such as wearing a mask, are highly recommended to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases. The appropriate use of masks is necessary for effectively preventing the transmission of airborne bioaerosols. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests washing fabric masks or throwing away disposable masks after they are used. However, people often use masks more than once without washing or disposing them. The prolonged use of a single mask might—as a result of the user habitually touching the mask—promote the spread of pathogens from airborne bioaerosols that have accumulated on the mask. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate how long the living components of bioaerosols can be viable on the masks. Here, we evaluated the viability of airborne Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) in bioaerosols filtered on woven and anti-droplet (non-woven) face masks. As a simulation of being simultaneously exposed to sand dust and bioaerosols, the viability rates of bioaerosols that had accumulated on masks were also tested against fine dust and airborne droplets containing bacteria. The bioaerosols survived on the masks immediately after the masks were used to filter the bioaerosols, and the bacteria significantly proliferated after one day of storage. Thereafter, the number of viable cells in the filtered bioaerosols gradually decreased over time, and the viability of B. subtilis in bioaerosols on the masks varied, depending on the mask material used (woven or non-woven). Despite the reduction in viability, bioaerosols containing living components were still found in both woven and anti-droplet masks even after six days of storage and it took nine days not to have found them on masks. The number of viable cells in bioaerosols on masks significantly decreased upon exposure of the masks to fine dust. The results of this study should provide useful information on how to appropriately use masks to increase their duration of effectiveness against bioaerosols.

scholarly journals General Guidelines in the Management of an Obstetrical Patient on the Labor and Delivery Unit during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (08) ◽  
pp. 829-836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela J. Stephens ◽  
John R. Barton ◽  
Nana-Ama Ankumah Bentum ◽  
Sean C. Blackwell ◽  
Baha M. Sibai
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Obstetric Care ◽  
World Health ◽  
Labor And Delivery ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Obstetrical Patient ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection that was first identified in China. Since its emergence in December 2019, the virus has rapidly spread, transcending geographic barriers. The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have declared COVID-19 as a public health crisis. Data regarding COVID-19 in pregnancy is limited, consisting of case reports and small cohort studies. However, obstetric patients are not immune from the current COVID-19 pandemic, and obstetric care will inevitably be impacted by the current epidemic. As such, clinical protocols and practice on labor and delivery units must adapt to optimize the safety of patients and health care workers and to better conserve health care resources. In this commentary, we provide suggestions to meet these goals without impacting maternal or neonatal outcomes. Key Points • Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic.• COVID-19 impacts care of obstetric patients.• Health care should be adapted for the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals A plausible path to contain the spread of 2019 Novel Coronavirus; a computational analysis prompts to the use of ACE2 receptor blockers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Whitman
Keyword(s):  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽  
World Health ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Time Sharing ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Bioinformatic Tools ◽  
Receptor Blockers ◽  
Genetic Sequences ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Starting December 30th, 2019, a virus spread from Wuhan, in the Hubei Province of China. The virus had soon been recognized as part of the Coronavirus and temporarily named 2019 Novel Coronavirus. The dramatic increase of infections led to the death of over 400 people, by Feb 4th, 2020. By this day the virus had already crossed into 27 countries. March 11th, 2020 the World Health Organization declared the Novel Coronavirus a pandemic, pointing to over 118,000 cases of infections in over 110 countries. This public health threat drove the international community to real-time sharing of the genetic sequences isolated from the viruses. We used these freely accessible genetic data, while leveraging bioinformatic tools, with the intent to explore possible contributions to address this threat. Angiotensin-converting Enzyme 2 Inhibition has been proven to be a valuable strategy address the spread of SARS. After proving remarkable genetic similarities between SARS and the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, we computationally built the first known ex-novo model of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Spike Glycoprotein entirely generated from its aminoacidic sequence, using I-TASEER. We then assessed the 2019 Novel Coronavirus interaction with the human Angiotensin-converting Enzyme 2. This research prompts at the potential use of Angiotensin- converting Enzyme 2 receptors blockers, as both clinical and prophylaxis measures to contain the spread of 2019 Novel Coronavirus.

scholarly journals Between “Essential Services” and Culpable Homicide

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 129-151
Author(s):  
Danielle N. Boaz
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
The United States ◽  
World Health ◽  
Religious Communities ◽  
Religious Leaders ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Essential Services ◽  
The World ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared covid-19—the disease caused by the novel coronavirus—a global pandemic. As this coronavirus spread throughout the world, most countries implemented restrictions on public gatherings that greatly limited religious communities’ ability to engage in collective worship. Some religious leaders objected to these regulations, opining that faith would spare their congregants from illness or that their religious freedom is paramount to public health. Meanwhile, growing numbers of covid-19 infections were being traced back to religious leaders or gatherings. This article explores how governments have balanced freedom of worship and public health during the 2020 pandemic. Through the comparison of controversies in South Korea, India, Brazil and the United States, it highlights the paradoxes in debates about whether to hold religious communities accountable for the spread of this highly contagious and deadly disease.

scholarly journals The Trend Distribution and Temporal Pattern Analysis of COVID-19 Pandemic using GIS framework in Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Sahrul Syukri Yahya ◽  
Edie Ezwan Mohd Safian ◽  
Burhaida Burhan
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Pattern ◽  
Pattern Analysis ◽  
Spatial Information ◽  
Human Life ◽  
The United States ◽  
World Health ◽  
Emergency Case ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

Currently, the most severe infectious disease was the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in all countries in 2019 and 2020. At the end of December 2019, in Wuhan, China, there was an international cluster of cases involving Novel Coronavirus pneumonia (SARS-COV-2). The worldwide number of active cases and deaths is rising, especially in the top countries such as the United States (U.S), Brazil, and India. In Malaysia, these cases of COVID-19 have significantly decreased the number of active infections and deaths in May and June 2020. COVID-19 has had a significant effect on human life, socio-economic growth, and public relation. It is aimed at senior groups and individuals with various health conditions such as cancer, respiratory problems, diabetes, hypertension, and heart-related issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally declared COVID-19 as an international emergency case. As a result, Kuala Lumpur was the most affected state in Malaysia as of 12 July 2020, followed by Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor. Regardless of the infection chain ratio, the favorable cases in each affected state of Malaysia are rising every day. The Malaysian Government attempted to split the infection chain ratio affected by COVID-19 via the lockdown definition. The research aims to use GIS software to analyze COVID-19's spatial trend distribution and temporal pattern analysis for human health. Geographic information systems (GIS) technologies have played a significant role in spatial information, spatial tracking of confirmed cases, active case, death, and discharge cases, and predicting the magnitude of the spread. Monitoring, evaluating, and planning using geospatial analysis are essential for controlling the spread of COVID-19 within the country.

scholarly journals An updated overview on 2019 novel coronavirus

Biomedicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 414-419
Author(s):  
Sanjukta Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Troponin I ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
World Health ◽  
Amino Acid Homology ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
To Come ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

Coronavirus (CoV) has been associated with several infectious disease outbreak in humans in the past two decades, including Severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus [SARS-CoV] in 2002-2003 and Middle East respiratory coronavirus [MERS-CoV] in 2012. An unexpected and unexplained respiratory infection commenced at Wuhan city, China, during the end of 2019, which was named as novel coronavirus disease [2019-nCoV or COVID-19] by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is considered to be a zoonotic disease, as it has nearly similar amino acid homology to SARS-CoV. Reports have revealed an unexpected increase in number of cases worldwide (214 countries and territories along with 2 international conveyances), which intimidates the public with human to human escalation through respiratory droplets and contact routes. This pandemic was declared as a public health emergency of international concern. It follows an extremely heterogeneous course from mild Flu like symptoms [fever, cough, sore throat, dyspnoea, fatigue, headache and malaise] to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. According to epidemiological data, old age and pre-existing medical co-morbidities are considered to be the risk factors for COVIOD-19. Currently, laboratory-based "Real time-reversed transcription Polymerase chain reaction" [rtRT-PCR] remains the molecular test of choice for the etiologic diagnosis. That apart, several hematological, biochemical markers along with various inflammatory cytokines (lymphopenia, serum level of C-reactive protein, D-dimer, ferritin, Interleukin-6, cardiac troponin I) may be used to assess disease severity. As of now, there have been approximately more than 36 million cases worldwide and more than one million succumbed to the illness (2.91% estimated mortality rate).  Based on reports, India has become the second worst coronavirus hit country with a total number of cases reaching 68 lakhs. The dearth of selected medication (anti-CoV) and unusual transmission ability of 2019-nCoV continue to be responsible for this uninterrupted escalation. Woefully, specific vaccines are yet to come up. Treatment options like broad-spectrum antiviral Remdesivir, and oxygen therapy are being evaluated to control this unprecedented health crisis, although none of these drugs are FDA (Food and drug administration) approved. The path of this pandemic is very undetermined and unpredictable. In the present scenario, efficacious prevention needs swift action from the standpoint of public health strategies, which entails strict surveillance, rapid detection, and implementation of a containment plan to curb this outbreak. This review article highlights the updates on novel coronavirus 2019 and the uninterrupted apocalyptic progress concerning the present situation. It also highlights various perspectives of effective therapeutic strategies to restrain this viral outbreak.

scholarly journals Inclusive Policymaking Tools: A COVID-19 Pandemic Case Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ans Irfan ◽  
Ankita Arora ◽  
Christopher Jackson ◽  
Celina Valencia
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
United States Of America ◽  
The United States ◽  
World Health ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
The World ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Equity And Inclusion

World Health Organization (WHO) estimates indicate the United States of America has the highest novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) burden in the world, with over 5 million confirmed cases and nearly 165,000 associated deaths as of August 14th, 2020 (WHO 2020). As the COVID-19 mortality and morbidity has disproportionately impacted populations who experience vulnerabilities due to structural issues such as racism (Laurencin and McClinton 2020; Lin II and Money 2020; Martin 2020; Kim et al. 2020), it has become increasingly necessary to take this opportunity and intentionally codify diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in the policymaking process. To encourage and facilitate this, we synthesize existing literature to identify best practices that can not only be used to inform COVID-19-related public policy activities but will also continue to inform inclusive policymaking processes in the future. We identify specific tools for policymakers at all levels of government to better operationalize the DEI framework and enact inclusive, equitable public policies as a result.

scholarly journals Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-73
Author(s):  
Ernest Kenu ◽  
Joseph Frimpong ◽  
Kwadwo Koram
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Distress Syndrome ◽  
Rna Virus ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
The United States ◽  
World Health ◽  
Infected Person ◽  
Wuhan City ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

On 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The disease was christened COVID-19 and the pathogen (an RNA virus) identified as SARS-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2).1,2 The virus is primarily spread through contact with small droplets produced from coughing, sneezing, or talking by an infected person. While a substantial proportion of infected individuals may remain asymptomatic, the most common symptoms in clinical cases include, fever, cough, acute respiratory distress, fatigue, and failure to resolve over 3 to 5 days of antibiotic treatment. Complications may include pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.3 Over five million confirmed cases of COVID-19 has been recorded globally with more than 300,000 deaths as at 25th May 2020. The United States of America has recorded the highest number of cases with more than 1.5 million and over 100,000 deaths.4 In Africa, more than 90,0000 cases have been reported with about 3,000 deaths. South Africa has recorded the highest number of cases with 23,615 cases and 481 deaths. Ghana confirmed its first cases of COVID-19 on 12th March 2020 and had as at 25 May 2020 recorded over 7,000 cases with 34 deaths.5  

When “Corona” Goes Viral – Online Search Interests in Google for Coronavirus versus Its Incidence in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States: An Infodemiological Analysis (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Ahmadvand ◽  
Ayda S. Forough ◽  
Lisa Nissen
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Google Trends ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
The Public ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Search Patterns ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Uk

BACKGROUND The public health crisis, due to the new Coronavirus found in December 2019, has received unprecedented attention from the public and the media. The infodemiological analysis of queries from search engines to assess the status of search interests and the actual burden of the new virus could be an informative approach. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to assess search query data from Google Trends, to visualize the interest in search over time for the new “Coronavirus” in Google, across four English-speaking countries, namely, Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA, and compare the search interest with the actual burden of Coronavirus in the corresponding countries. METHODS We used Google Trends service to assess people’s interest in searching about “Coronavirus” classified as “Virus,” from January 1, 2020 to March 13, 2020 in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA. Then, we evaluated top regions and their relative search volumes (SVs) and country-specific “Top” and “Rising” searches. We also evaluated the trends in the incidence of detected Coronavirus infections to find possible differences between the actual burden of the disease and search patterns by the public. RESULTS From January 1, 2020 to March 13, 2020, Australia was the top country searching for Coronavirus in Google, followed by Canada, the UK, and the USA. There was a noticeable bimodal pattern in searching for Coronavirus, mostly in late January 2020, and then from early March 2020. Search interest in all four countries declined in the month of February 2020. Top regions in each of the four countries with the highest search interest where the ones which reported either a confirmed case of Coronavirus infection or a death due to it. None of the declarations by the World Health Organization of the nature of this pandemic appeared to have caused major changes in the search patterns in Google. CONCLUSIONS Search for ‘Coronavirus’ increased exponentially, in all four countries, mostly in Australia. The month of February 2020 could be considered a ‘lost opportunity’ in terms of acting on the momentum of searching by people on Google about the Coronavirus. The increased interest in searching for keywords related to Coronavirus and its symptoms shows the possible focus areas of awareness campaigns in increasing societal demand for health information on the Web, to be met in community-wide communication or awareness interventions, should another pandemic occur in the future. 

scholarly journals COVID-19: The Potential Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1917 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kacper Lechowicz ◽  
Sylwester Drożdżal ◽  
Filip Machaj ◽  
Jakub Rosik ◽  
Bartosz Szostak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Pulmonary Involvement ◽  
World Health ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The World ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Right

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, appeared, causing a wide range of symptoms, mainly respiratory infection. In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic, therefore the efforts of scientists around the world are focused on finding the right treatment and vaccine for the novel disease. COVID-19 has spread rapidly over several months, affecting patients across all age groups and geographic areas. The disease has a diverse course; patients may range from asymptomatic to those with respiratory failure, complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). One possible complication of pulmonary involvement in COVID-19 is pulmonary fibrosis, which leads to chronic breathing difficulties, long-term disability and affects patients’ quality of life. There are no specific mechanisms that lead to this phenomenon in COVID-19, but some information arises from previous severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) epidemics. The aim of this narrative review is to present the possible causes and pathophysiology of pulmonary fibrosis associated with COVID-19 based on the mechanisms of the immune response, to suggest possible ways of prevention and treatment.

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