Tag: coronavirus disease 2019

Baylor Scott & White Research Institute Expands Efforts in the Fight Against COVID-19

sarah JonasFeature

As the global response to the SARS-COV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 approaches 200 days, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the research and development arm of Baylor Scott & White Health, is accelerating its pace of bringing clinical trials online.

Baylor Scott & White Research Institute continues to mobilize staff and resources, including components needed to integrate critical patient-safety measures at every participating site within the Baylor Scott & White system for industry sponsored drug trials, investigator-initiated drug trials and research studies, and observational and data studies designed to help increase knowledge around case trends, viral epidemiology, and care best practices.

FAU Nurses Provide PPE for Homeless, Low Income Individuals During Pandemic

sarah JonasFeature

A team of FAU nurses is addressing the dire needs of a low income neighborhood in West Palm Beach by spearheading programs to provide lifesaving PPE such as face masks for those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. People living in poverty as well as homeless individuals and those struggling with social determinants of health are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and dying from it.

Coronavirus’ Binding Action May Also Cause Kidney Damage and Infertility; Researchers Consider Potential Treatment Paths

sarah JonasResearch Alert

Article title: COVID-19 infection and mortality – A physiologist’s perspective enlightening clinical features and plausible interventional strategies Authors: Zaid A. Abassi, Karl Skorecki, Samuel Noam Heyman, Safa Kinaneh, Zaher Armaly From the authors: “Cleavage of the S-glycoprotein by furin and its…

Staying Two Steps Ahead of the Coronavirus

sarah JonasResearch Results

A method of predicting the coronavirus spread – pioneered and developed by Weizmann Institute scientists – may enable authorities to focus efforts on areas where an outbreak is anticipated and relieve measures taken in others. Several countries, including the U.S., are adopting the new method

AACC Launches Directory of U.S. Labs That Are Performing COVID-19 Testing

sarah JonasAnnouncement

To facilitate rapid identification of COVID-19 cases, AACC has launched a directory of U.S. clinical laboratories that are, or will be, performing testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This directory is designed to help healthcare providers quickly find laboratories that can diagnose patients suspected to have COVID-19.

COVID-19 threatens 2020 election; WVU political scientist urges feds to explore voting alternatives

sarah JonasExpert Pitch

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – As states postpone their primary elections in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic, one West Virginia University political scientist is calling on President Donald Trump to assemble a bipartisan task force to consider voting options for November’s…

JNCCN: How to Manage Cancer Care during COVID-19 Pandemic

sarah JonasResearch Results

Experts from Seattle Cancer Care Alliance share lessons learned from early experiences treating people with cancer during COVID-19 outbreak via free online article in JNCCN—Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

AACC Urges Congress to Ensure That All COVID-19 Tests Are Covered by Insurance Now That FDA Has Released Guidance That Will Expand Testing Access

sarah JonasPolicy

On March 16, FDA updated its guidance on COVID-19 testing to allow clinical labs to create and perform COVID-19 tests without pursuing FDA emergency use authorization (EUA). AACC commends this decision, which will help speed the expansion of COVID-19 testing at this crucial time. However, the association remains concerned that the Families First Coronavirus Response Act does not provide coverage for COVID-19 tests unless the tests are performed under an EUA. AACC urges Congress to rectify this problem before passing the bill so that all patients will have access to coronavirus testing.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act Would Prohibit Insurers from Paying for Some COVID-19 Tests

sarah JonasPolicy

AACC greatly values the work that the U.S. House of Representatives has done to support American families in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak and is supportive of the goals of H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. However, we are concerned that the language as currently drafted does not provide coverage for COVID-19 tests performed prior to those tests receiving Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

The Best Ways to Kill Coronavirus In Your Home

sarah JonasFeature

Your kitchen cabinet may already be stocked with cleaning agents that can kill coronavirus. But not all chemicals will work, and none are as gentle on your skin as commercial hand sanitizers, according to Rutgers University experts.

Siobain Duffy, an Associate Professor of ecology with expertise in emerging viruses and microbial evolution, and Donald Schaffner, a Distinguished Professor and extension specialist in food science with expertise in microbial risk assessment and handwashing, offer the following tips for cleaning to kill the pathogens that cause COVID-19 and other deadly diseases.

Novel coronavirus: Experts in epidemics, economics, disease modeling, other fields available for interview

sarah JonasExpert Pitch

Virginia Tech experts on a variety of subjects are available for media interviews related to SARS-CoV-2 (commonly referred to as the novel coronavirus.) Media experts: History of epidemics— Expert who studies history of epidemics: ‘Panic may be the worst possible response’…

Mount Sinai and Harbour BioMed Collaborate to Advance Novel Biotherapies for the Treatment of Cancer and Coronavirus COVID-19

sarah JonasAnnouncement

Collaboration combines Harbour BioMed’s proprietary H2L2 Harbour Mice® platform for fully human monoclonal antibody generation with Mount Sinai’s translational medical research expertise.

AACC Statement on New FDA Guidance That Allows Certified Labs to Perform Coronavirus Testing

sarah JonasPolicy

AACC thanks the FDA for being responsive to the concerns of the clinical laboratory community and amending the coronavirus guidance to allow CMS-certified labs to develop and implement new tests for coronavirus prior to FDA approval.