1. ‘A Sequence Homology and Bioinformatic Approach Can Predict Candidate Targets for Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2’
In this study, detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in cats in Wuhan during the COVID-19 outbreak with  ELISA,  VNT  and western blot.  A total of 102 cats were tested, 15 (14.7%) were positive for RBD  based  ELISA  and  11  (10.8%)  were further positive with  VNT.  These results demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2  has infected cat populations in  Wuhan,  implying that this risk could also occur in other outbreak regions.  The retrospective investigation confirmed that all of  ELISA  positive sera were sampled after the outbreak, suggesting that the infection of cats could be due to the virus transmission from humans to cats.  Certainly,  it is still needed to be verified via investigating the  SARS-CoV-2  infections  before this outbreak in a  wide range of sampling. At present, there is no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from cats to humans.
BMJ's covid-19 hub supports health professionals and researchers with practical guidance, online CPD courses, as well as the latest news, comment, and research from BMJ. The content is free and updated daily.
For further details https://www.bmj.com/coronavirus

20. Cell Press Coronavirus Resource Hub
On this hub page, curated by members of the Cell press editorial team, policies for submitting papers related to COVID-19, as well as content about the outbreak as it appears in Cell Press journals could be found.
For further details https://www.cell.com/2019-nCOV

21. CoVID 19 Research Registry of the American Society for Microbiology
ASM is keeping the pulse of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In the eye of a pandemic, the need for a trusted, up-to-date resource of coronavirus research plays a crucial role in supporting the scientific community on the frontlines fighting the virus. This registry includes top-ranked, COVID-19 research articles curated by experts and serves as a resource for scientists working together to address fundamental science and accelerate scientific research on SARS-CoV-2.
For further details https://asm.org/COVID/COVID-19-Research-Registry/Home?fbclid=IwAR3xTMx7P_d62U8SM-jU_JhJGxIj_z1QJOjwUxrORMqDjgdc7LMTmxPdYVA

22. Coronavirus knowledge hub of the ‘Frontiers’
For further details https://coronavirus.frontiersin.org/?utm_campaign=sub-cov-cco&utm_medium=fhpc&utm_source=fweb

23. Targets of T Cell Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus in Humans with COVID-19 Disease and Unexposed Individuals 
Understanding adaptive immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is important for vaccine development, interpreting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathogenesis, and calibration of pandemic control measures. Using HLA class I and II predicted peptide “megapools,” circulating SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells were identified in ∼70% and 100% of COVID-19 convalescent patients, respectively. CD4+ T cell responses to spike, the main target of most vaccine efforts, were robust and correlated with the magnitude of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA titers. The M, spike, and N proteins each accounted for 11%–27% of the total CD4+ response, with additional responses commonly targeting nsp3, nsp4, ORF3a, and ORF8, among others. For CD8+ T cells, spike and M were recognized, with at least eight SARS-CoV-2 ORFs targeted. Importantly, it was detected that SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD4+ T cells in ∼40%–60% of unexposed individuals, suggesting cross-reactive T cell recognition between circulating “common cold” coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2.
For further details: https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(20)30610-3

24. Convergent antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 in convalescent individuals
During the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 infected millions of people and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Virus entry into cells depends on the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S). Although there is no vaccine, it is likely that antibodies will be essential for protection. However, little is known about the human antibody response to SARS-CoV-21–5. Here we 149 COVID-19 convalescent individuals were studied. Plasmas collected an average of 39 days after the onset of symptoms had variable half-maximal pseudovirus neutralizing titres: less than 1:50 in 33% and below 1:1,000 in 79%, while only 1% showed titres above 1:5,000. Antibody sequencing revealed expanded clones of RBD-specific memory B cells expressing closely related antibodies in different individuals. Despite low plasma titres, antibodies to three distinct epitopes on RBD neutralized at half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50 values) as low as single digit nanograms per millitre. Thus, most convalescent plasmas obtained from individuals who recover from COVID-19 were not containing high levels of neutralizing activity. Nevertheless, rare but recurring RBD-specific antibodies with potent antiviral activity had been found in all individuals tested, suggesting that a vaccine designed to elicit such antibodies could be broadly effective.

For further details: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2456-9?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=organic&utm_campaign=NGMT_USG_JC01_GL_Nature&fbclid=IwAR2KZyHTvmu6VTXAHqmZf0vf7NKebMDiSejMt3QPuR0_exRu8CVGCOP_O_Q

25. Cellular Nanosponges Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Infectivity
Cellular nanosponges could be reported as an effective medical countermeasure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Two types of cellular nanosponges are made of the plasma membranes derived from human lung epithelial type II cells or human macrophages. These nanosponges display the same protein receptors, both identified and unidentified, required by SARS-CoV-2 for cellular entry. It is shown that, following incubation with the nanosponges, SARS-CoV-2 is neutralized and unable to infect cells. Crucially, the nanosponge platform is agnostic to viral mutations and potentially viral species, as well. As long as the target of the virus remains the identified host cell, the nanosponges will be able to neutralize the virus.

For further details: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c02278?fbclid=IwAR3B5CUAlL7sV1YsZrx3xAp_Ee8RRVcAoi_7hVCSjfHl41N7arDbBJQhQb4

26. Genomewide Association Study of Severe Covid-19 with Respiratory Failure

There is considerable variation in disease behavior among patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Genome wide association analysis was thought to allow for the identification of potential genetic factors involved in the development of Covid-19. A genomewide association study was conducted involving 1980 patients with Covid-19 and severe disease (defined as respiratory failure) at seven hospitals in the Italian and Spanish epicenters of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Europe. Cross-replicating associations with rs11385942 at locus 3p21.31 and with rs657152 at locus 9q34.2, were observed which were significant at the genome wide level (P<5×10−8) in the meta-analysis of the two case–control panels (odds ratio, 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48 to 2.11; P=1.15×10−10; and odds ratio, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.20 to 1.47; P=4.95×10−8, respectively). A 3p21.31 gene cluster was identified as a genetic susceptibility locus in patients with Covid-19 with respiratory failure and confirmed a potential involvement of the ABO blood-group system.
For further details: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2020283

27. Neanderthal DNA raises risk of severe COVID

A genetic analysis reveals that some people who have severe reactions to the SARS-CoV-2 virus inherited certain sections of their DNA from Neanderthals. The research study checked the prevalence of the Neanderthal-derived haplotype in the modern human population. They report that it is rare or completely absent in east Asians and Africans. Among Latin Americans and Europeans, the risk haplotype is maintained at a modest frequency (4% and 8%, respectively). By contrast, the haplotype occurs at a frequency of 30% in individuals who have south Asian ancestry, reaching as high as 37% in those with Bangladeshi heritage.

For further details: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02957-3

1.The convalescent sera option for containing COVID-19

Currently, there are no vaccines, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), or drugs available for SARS-CoV-2, although many are in rapid development and some may be available in a short time. This Viewpoint argues that human convalescent serum is an option for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 disease that could be rapidly available when there are sufficient numbers of people who have recovered and can donate immunoglobulin-containing serum. Passive antibody therapy involves the administration of antibodies against a given agent to a susceptible individual for the purpose of preventing or treating an infectious disease due to that agent. In contrast, active vaccination requires the induction of an immune response that takes time to develop and varies depending on the vaccine recipient. Thus, passive antibody administration is the only means of providing immediate immunity to susceptible persons.

For more details: https://www.jci.org/articles/view/138003

2. Microbial and chemical contamination of groundwater around livestock mortality burial sites in Korea – a review

For mor details https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12303-012-0036-1

3. Impact of cemeteries on groundwater contamination by bacteria and viruses – a review

For more details https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26042963

4. Bat-borne virus diversity, spillover and emergence

1. A new FDA authorized COVID 19 test doesn’t need a lab and can produce results in just 05 minutes

1. COVID-19 Drug Therapy – Potential Options: New controlled clinical study conducted by doctors in France shows that a combo of Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin (Z-Pak) cures 100% of coronavirus patients within 6 days of treatment (covidtrial.io)

March 27, 2020: French researchers just completed new additional study on 80 patients, results show a combination of Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin to be effective in treating COVID-19 patients. The team found that, by administering hydroxychloroquine combined with azithromycin, they were able to observe an improvement in all cases, except in one patient who arrived with an advanced form, who was over the age of 86, and in whom the evolution was irreversible.

For more details: https://techstartups.com/2020/03/18/breaking-controlled-clinical-study-conducted-doctors-%e2%80%8bin-france-shows-hydroxychloroquine-cures-100-coronavirus-patients-within-6-days-treatment-covidtrial-io/

2. Stepping up infection control measures in ophthalmology during the novel coronavirus outbreak: an experience from Hong Kong

The local experience of Hong Kong in stepping up infection control measures in ophthalmology to minimise COVID-19 infection of both healthcare workers and patients is explained. Infection control measures implemented in the researchers’ ophthalmology clinic are discussed. The measures are based on detailed risk assessment by both local ophthalmologists and infection control experts. It is hoped that the initial experience in stepping up infection control measures for COVID-19 infection in ophthalmology can help ophthalmologists globally to prepare for the potential community outbreak or pandemic. In order to minimise transmission of COVID-19, ophthalmologists should work closely with local infection control teams to implement infection control measures that are appropriate for their own clinical settings.

For more details: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00417-020-04641-8

3. Clinical trials on drug repositioning for COVID-19 treatment

More than 80 clinical trials have been launched to test coronavirus treatment, including some drug repurposing or repositioning for COVID-19. Hence, a search was performed in March 2020 of the clinicaltrials.gov database. The eligibility criteria for the retrieved studies were: contain a clinicaltrials.gov base identifier number; describe the number of participants and the period for the study; describe the participants' clinical conditions; and utilize interventions with medicines already studied or approved for any other disease in patients infected with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV). This article only captured trials listed in the clinicaltrials.gov database. 24 clinical trials, involving more than 20 medicines, such as human immunoglobulin, interferons, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, arbidol, remdesivir, favipiravir, lopinavir, ritonavir, oseltamivir, methylprednisolone, bevacizumab, and traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) were identified. Although drug repurposing has some limitations, repositioning clinical trials may represent an attractive strategy because they facilitate the discovery of new classes of medicines; they have lower costs and take less time to reach the market; and there are existing pharmaceutical supply chains for formulation and distribution.

For more details: https://www.paho.org/journal/sites/default/files/2020-03/40-20-249-Rosa-prelim.pdf?ua=1

4. Assessment of Evidence for COVID-19-Related Treatments: Updated 3/24/2020

The information contained in this evidence table is emerging and rapidly evolving because of ongoing research and is subject to the professional judgment and interpretation of the practitioner due to the uniqueness of each medical facility’s approach to the care of patients with COVID-19 and the needs of individual patients. ASHP provides this evidence table to help practitioners better understand current approaches related to treatment and care. ASHP has made reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the information presented. However, any reader of this information is advised ASHP is not responsible for the continued currency of the information, for any errors or omissions, and/or for any consequences arising from the use of the information in the evidence table in any and all practice settings. Any reader of this document is cautioned that ASHP makes no representation, guarantee, or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy and appropriateness of the information contained in this evidence table and will bear no responsibility or liability for the results or consequences of its use.

For more details: https://www.ashp.org/-/media/assets/pharmacy-practice/resource-centers/Coronavirus/docs/ASHP-COVID-19-Evidence-Table.ashx?la=en&hash=B414CC64FD64E1AE8CA47AD753BA744EDF4FFB8C

5. Interim clinical guidance for patients suspected of /confirmed with CoVID 19 in Belgium

This document has been revised  on the 24th of March 2020 to provide support to the diverse groups  of Belgian clinicians (general practitioners, emergency physicians, infectious disease specialists, pneumologists, intensive care physicians) who will have to face suspected/confirmed COVID19 cases, during the amplification phase of the epidemic in Belgium.

For more details: https://epidemio.wiv-isp.be/ID/Documents/Covid19/COVID-19_InterimGuidelines_Treatment_ENG.pdf

6. COVID-19 Antiviral and Pharmacotherapy Recommendations

Supportive therapy is the cornerstone of treatment. No antiviral therapy option can currently be recommended in addition to supportive care, nor should any be considered comparatively superior for SARS-CoV-2 given the available data. It is also unclear at this time whether multidrug regimens provide any additional benefit in the treatment of COVID-19. Given the current lack of data over monotherapy regimens and the added toxicity of multidrug regimens, it is very unlikely that multidrug combinations will produce a favorable risk/benefit ratio.

For more details: https://www.nebraskamed.com/sites/default/files/documents/covid-19/covid19-antiviral-pharmacotherapy-recommendations.pdf

7. COVID-19 Drug Therapy – Potential Options

There are no specific therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19. Several agents are being used under clinical trial and compassionate use protocols based on in vitro activity (against SARS-CoV-2 or related viruses) and on limited clinical experience. Efficacy has not been established for any drug therapy.

For more details: https://www.elsevier.com/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/988648/COVID-19-Drug-Therapy_Mar-2020.pdf

8. Remdesivir and chloroquine effectively inhibit the recently emerged novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in vitro

Currently, there is no specific treatment against the new virus. Therefore, identifying effective antiviral agents to combat the disease is urgently needed. An efficient approach to drug discovery is to test whether the existing antiviral drugs are effective in treating related viral infections. The 2019-nCoV belongs to Betacoronavirus which also contains SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV). Several drugs, such as ribavirin, interferon, lopinavir-ritonavir, corticosteroids, have been used in patients with SARS or MERS, although the efficacy of some drugs remains controversial. In this study, the antiviral efficiency of five FAD-approved drugs including ribavirin, penciclovir, nitazoxanide, nafamostat, chloroquine and two well-known broad-spectrum antiviral drugs remdesivir (GS5734) and favipiravir (T-705) have been evaluated against a clinical isolate of 2019nCoV in vitro.

For more details: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339021704_Remdesivir_and_chloroquine_effectively_inhibit_the_recently_emerged_novel_coronavirus_2019-nCoV_in_vitro

9. Prevention and Protection Handbook Against COVID-19

COVID-19 pneumonia was prevalent in China in January 2020 and now is spreading almost all around the world. This book aims to help the public better understand the knowledge about the novel coronavirus, and guide them to protect themselves effectively as well.

For more details: https://www.worldscientific.com/page/Prevention-and-Protection-Handbook-Against-COVID-19?from=singlemessage&isappinstalled=0&

10. Milken Institute Covid-19 Tracker, tracker of all therapeutic and vaccine trials in progress

The Milken Institute is currently tracking the development of treatments and vaccines for COVID-19 (coronavirus). This document contains an aggregation of publicly-available information from validated sources. It is not an endorsement of one approach or treatment over another, but simply a list of all treatments and vaccines currently in development.

For more details: https://milkeninstitute.org/covid-19-tracker

11. Tools, protocols, reagents, and sequencing services – from International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)

From this page, the ICGEB offers Resources, Tools and Know-how to fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, to its Member States, free of charge.

For more details: https://www.icgeb.org/covid19-resources/#tools

12. Ventilators on Coronavirus TechHandbook

A comprehensive resource on information related to building ventilators

For more details: https://coronavirustechhandbook.com/ventilators

13. Personal Protective Equipment on Coronavirus TechHandbook

A comprehensive resource on information related to DIY masks, etc.

For more details: https://coronavirustechhandbook.com/ppe

14. Breakthrough COVID-19 treatment developed by UAE stem cell center with promising initial results

For more details https://www.mofaic.gov.ae/en/mediahub/news/2020/5/1/01-05-2020-covid-19

15. Vitamin D and inflammation: potential implications for severity of COVID 19

1. How will country-based mitigation measures influence the course of the COVID-19 epidemic?

Keeping mortality as low as possible will be the highest priority for individuals. COVID-19 has developed into a pandemic, with small chains of transmission in many countries and large chains resulting in extensive spread in a few countries, such as Italy, Iran, South Korea, and Japan. What has happened in China shows that quarantine, social distancing, and isolation of infected populations can contain the epidemic.

For more details: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30567-5/fulltext

2. Stopping the Spread of COVID-19

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol often (especially after touching common surface areas, using the bathroom, shaking hands,  and other social interactions). Avoid large crowds, crowded public places, and maintain at least 6feet of distance between yourself and others, especially if they are coughing or sneezing. This is known as social distancing.

For more details: https://jamanetwork.com/searchresults?q=Stopping%20the%20Spread%20of%20COVID-19&allSites=1&SearchSourceType=1&exPrm_qqq={!payloadDisMaxQParser%20pf=Tags%20qf=Tags^0.0000001%20payloadFields=Tags%20bf=}%22Stopping%20the%20Spread%20of%20COVID-19%22&exPrm_hl.q=Stopping%20the%20Spread%20of%20COVID-19

3. Managing epidemics - Key facts about major deadly diseases-WHO

For further details https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/managing-epidemics-interactive.pdf

4. Projecting the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 through the post pandemic period

The goal of this paper is to briefly review how SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted and propose measures that could be implemented to minimize the risk of contaminating the operating room (OR) personnel during the most common neurosurgical procedures.
For more details: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340936104_CORRESPONDENCE_Letter_The_Risk_of_COVID-19_Infection_During_Neurosurgical_Procedures_A_Review_of_Severe_Acute_Respiratory_Distress_Syndrome_Coronavirus_2_SARS-CoV-2_Modes_of_Transmission_and_Proposed_

9. The need for global coordination and cooperation: Transparency and uncertainty amid the amid the CoVID 19 outbreak

Whilst adequate balances need to be struck between the need to ensure that decisions are not made in a way which impacts procyclical effects in such a manner that unreliable forecasts are generated, as well as ensuring that such decisions are determined in a flexible manner.
For more details:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340819594_The_Need_for_Global_Coordination_and_Cooperation_Transparency_and_Uncertainty_Amid_the_COVID_-19_Outbreak

10. Identifying airborne transmission as the dominant route for the spread of COVID-19

The key functions of the Audit Unit includes followings.

• Assess & evaluate the soundness of internal control system and report internal control weaknesses to the Management.
• Review the compliance with applicable laws,regulations,policies & procedures.
• Review the means of safeguarding NSF assets & as an appropriate verify the existence of the assets.

Contact 
 
Mrs R.M.M.M. Jayajeevani
Internal Auditor
Ext : 230
Email : Jayajeevani@nsf.gov.lk

1. Antiviral potentials of medicinal plants

Medicinal plants have been widely used to treat a variety of infectious and non-infectious ailments. According to one estimate, 25% of the commonly used medicines contain compounds isolated from plants. Several plants could offer a rich reserve for drug discovery of infectious diseases, particularly in an era when the latest separation techniques are available on one hand, and the human population is challenged by a number of emerging infectious diseases on the other hand. Among several other ailments, viral infections, particularly infections associated with human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV- I) and 2 (HIV-2), and newly emerging infectious viruses have challenged mankind survival. Of importance, a variety of medicinal plants have shown promise to treat a number of viral infections, and some of them possess broad-spectrum antiviral activity.

For more details: https://www.academia.edu/5930827/Antiviral_potentials_of_medicinal_plant

2. Medicinal plants of Tamil Nadu (Southern India) are a rich source of antiviral activities

In order to evaluate the potential of medicinal plants of Tamil Nadu as sources of antiviral activities, we used seven different viruses to evaluate the methanol extracts of 30 plants, derived from 22 families and recognized for their local medical applications. Antiviral activity was the minimum concentration of extracts required to completely inhibit viral cytopathic effects (CPE), i.e., MIC100 values. Many extracts showed strong activities against Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and mouse corona virus (MCV, the surrogate for human SARS virus). Some extracts were also active against influenza virus and Sindbis virus (SINV, surrogate for hepatitis C virus), but fewer were active against the non-membrane viruses feline calicivirus (FCV, the surrogate for Norovirus), rhinovirus (common cold virus), and poliovirus.
For more details: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233946926_Medicinal_plants_of_Tamil_Nadu_Southern_India_are_a_rich_source_of_antiviral_activitie

3. Ayurveda’s Holistic Lifestyle Approach for the Management of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Possible Role of Tulsi

It was reported that traditional remedies may alleviate the symptoms ofCOVID-19. Ayurveda is the world’s oldest medical system that can manage any disease without side effects. Ayurveda is equipped with varieties of treatment modalities to handle with any type of deadly diseases. However, a major drawback is a lack of adequate scientific basis. Tulsi has multi-modal therapeutic effects, it is hypothesized that tulsi may be effective in the prevention and management of COVID-19.

For more details: https://pharmascope.org/ijrps/article/view/1976/338

4. In search of feasible interventions for the prevention and cure of novel Coronavirus disease 2019

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a public health emergency of international concern caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As of this time, there is no known effective pharmaceutical, phytopharmaceutical or traditional medicine for cure or prevention of COVID-19, although it is urgently needed. Based on the current understanding of the disease molecular mechanisms from the closest relatives of SARS-CoV-2 as well as novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, it was attempted to translate this knowledge into identifying some naturally occurring plant based substances and Ayurvedic medicinal herbs that could feasibly be used as preventive as well as treatment options for COVID-19.

For more details: https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202003.0353/v1     

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1. WHO latest situation reports

Situation reports provide the latest updates on the novel coronavirus outbreak.
For more details: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports

2. Health Promotion Bureau of Sri Lanka - Live updates on new Corona outbreak
For the latest statistics of CoVID-19 in Sri Lanka
For more details: https://hpb.health.gov.lk/e

3. CoVID 19 - Live situational analysis dashboard of Sri Lanka

For the latest statistical analyses of CoVID-19 in Sri Lanka
For more details: https://covid19-dashboard.arimac.digital

4. COVID-19 Global Cases, by Johns Hopkins University

For the latest statistical analyses related to the CoVID 19 affected countries of the world
For more details: https://solvecovid19.net/facts-and-stats

5. Coronavirus Live Update, case tracker by Worldometer

For the latest statistical analyses related to the CoVID 19 affected countries of the world
For more details: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

1. CoVID 19 Inventions supported by the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission

For more details: http://slic.gov.lk/covid-19-2/

1. Infectious disease risks from dead bodies following natural disasters

https://publications.paho.org/pdf/dead_bodies.pdf

2. Virus persistence in groundwater

https://aem.asm.org/content/49/4/778

3. The impact of cemeteries on the environment and public health

https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/108132

 

 

1. The knowledge Centre for China’s Experiences in response to COVID-19

For further details: https://covid19.21wecan.com/

2. Case-Fatality Rate and COVID-19 Death Characteristics in Italy

Case Fatality Rate (CFR) is the proportion of individuals diagnosed with a disease who die from that disease. The CFR for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Italy is among the highest in the world and was 7.2% as of March 17, 2020. CFR for COVID-19 depends on age and is much higher among the elderly than in younger and middle-aged individuals. Definition of COVID-19 related deaths differ across countries. In Italy, any death in a patient with positive reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2 is considered COVID-19 related. Testing strategies are critical for defining the denominator for the CFR.

For more details: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2763667

3. Characteristics and Outcomes of 21 Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19 in Washington State

In this case series, the clinical presentation, characteristics, and outcomes of incident cases of COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Evergreen Hospital to inform other clinicians treating critically ill patients with COVID-19 are described.
For more details: https://jamanetwork.com/searchresults?q=Characteristics%20and%20Outcomes%20of%2021%20Critically%20Ill%20Patients%20With%20COVID-19%20in%20Washington%20State&allSites=1&SearchSourceType=1&exPrm_qqq={!payloadDisMaxQParser%20pf=Tags%20qf=Tags^0.0000001%20payloadFields=Tags%20bf=}%22Characteristics%20and%20Outcomes%20of%2021%20Critically%20Ill%20Patients%20With%20COVID-19%20in%20Washington%20State%22&exPrm_hl.q=Characteristics%20and%20Outcomes%20of%2021%20Critically%20Ill%20Patients%20With%20COVID-19%20in%20Washington%20State

4. Microbial and chemical contamination of groundwater around livestock mortality burial sites in Korea – a review

For more details: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12303-012-0036-1

5. COVID-19 in forensic medicine unit personnel: Observation from Thailand

Here, the authors share their observations from Thailand, the second county affected in the timelines of COVID-19 outbreak. By 20th March 2020, the accumulated number of COVID-19 in Thailand had been 272. Of this, one of the cases was a forensic practitioner working in Bangkok, capital of Thailand. Indeed, there were only 2 COVID-19 patients who are medical personnel (the forensic medicine professional and a nurse assistant). Although patients may get the infection from workplace exposure or through spreading in the community, at the period of the occurrence of this case, the patients in Thailand were mostly imported cases and recording of local spreading in the community was limited. There is low chance of forensic medicine professionals coming into contact with infected patients, but they can have contact with biological samples and corpses.
For further details: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1752928X20300718

6. COVID-19: A challenge for healthcare professionals

The country perspectives of Cuba in battling against CoVID 19 epidemic.
For more details: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340898273_COVID-19_A_challenge_for_healthcare_professionals_COVID-19?enrichId=rgreq-a78e8dbfb1ffc9811e3fe257010b4af5-XXX&enrichSource=Y292ZXJQYWdlOzM0MDg5ODI3MztBUzo4ODM4NDYzNzU1NDI3ODVAMTU4NzczNjgwNTY4Ng%3D%3D&el=1_x_3&_esc=publicationCoverPdf

7. Impact of COVID-19 on Children and Pediatricians

Country perspectives of India on the above aspect are given. Problems that have persisted include insufficiently trained healthcare workers, ICU beds, and PPE. There is an urgent need to work on these issues not to be seen as laggards when it comes to managing pandemics in the future.
For more details: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340809403_covid_19_impact

8. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infections in China: A multicenter case series

The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of adult SARS-CoV-2 patients have been documented recently. However, information on pediatric patients is limited. The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric patients are described here to provide valuable insight into the early diagnosis and assessment of COVID-19 in children. This retrospective, observational study involves a case series performed at 4 hospitals in West China. Thirty-four pediatric patients with COVID-19 had been included from January 27 to February 23, 2020. The data systemically presents the clinical and epidemiological features, as well as the outcomes, of pediatric patients with COVID-19. Stratified analysis was performed between mild and moderate cases. The findings offer new insight into early identification and intervention in pediatric patients with COVID-19.

For further details: https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.1003130&fbclid=IwAR2y4xKvvDSmOg1QxCS1nqMkjbWj_35yAhW40QgXAFcg8Nh7jjLu8QQXSrk