European researchers observe skin manifestations in Covid-19 patients

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April 13, 2020 -- Happy -- and Hoppy -- Easter to those of you who celebrate the occasion. Welcome back to another working-from-home week, and to the Monday edition of the Daily CurveFlattener. Reporting to you today is assistant editor Kylie Rebernik, fortified by earl grey tea and mini egg cookies. 

As an avid supporter of Toronto's local professional sports teams, I want to share with you some efforts being made by Toronto athletes using their platforms to assist Covid-19 relief efforts. 

Toronto Raptors player Serge Ibaka is hosting a live talent show which he has dubbed, “How Talented Are You?", every other day on Instagram Live. The casting, which began on April 9, is open to all. Those wanting to participate are asked to send a video showcasing their talent to Ouenze Entertainment through direct message. Ibaka will donate $20,000 to the winner’s region or city to support local Covid-19 relief efforts and the winner will receive a signed Raps jersey. Ibaka's teammate Demar Derozan has agreed to match the $20k donation, and entertainers such as Tiffany Haddish are supporting the competition. 

COVID CHRONICLE 04/13/20

• Are skin manifestations emerging as another symptom in Covid-19 patients? According to first-perspective study published by online in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (March 26, 2020) dermatologists are noting that patients have had red rashes and chickenpox-like vesicles, mostly affecting the trunk. Of the 88 patients included in the study 20.5% developed skin manifestations, with 44% having eruptions at Covid-19 symptom onset and 56% experience skin eruptions after hospitalization.
• As reported in the Daily CurveFlattener last Wednesday (April 8 edition) Canadian researchers will study whether plasma obtained from recovered patients can treat Covid-19. The study, which is the largest Covid-19 study to date, is being led by Dr. Philippe Begin. Dr. Begin is an associate professor of medicine at the University of Montreal and an immunoallergist and researcher at CHU Ste-Justine. The clinical trial will be a collaborative effort of 50 Canadian institutions.
• Essential demographic data needed to track the spread of Covid-19 may be missing, researchers report. “This is not an equal opportunity pandemic,” said Katherine Scott, senior economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. She says gaps that already existed in Canada’s data collection system will be exploited during the Covid-19 pandemic. Questions about whether low-income workers are at greater risk because they are more likely to show up for work, or whether indigenous populations have a higher risk contacting the disease are likely to remain unanswered, according to Scott.

STORIES CHRONICLE IS WORKING ON TODAY…

Atopic dermatitis (AD) linked to site-specific cancer: A Canadian study has found that AD patients are at increased risk for certain cancers. In an upcoming issue of The Chronicle of Skin & Allergy, Chronicle correspondent Jeremey Visser interviews study author Dr. Aaron Drucker and dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Beecker about the findings. 

RIGHT NOW WE’RE LISTENING TO…

“Vor I Vaglaskogi” by Kaleo. Who knew Icelandic sounded so pretty? Also be sure to read the English translation.

TONIGHT WE’RE READING…

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, written by Yuval Noah Harari. This 2011 account of human history from “insignificant apes to rulers of the world” was written to challenge established notions of what it means to be human. 

AND HOW ARE YOU DOING?

Please make use of the comments section at the Daily CurveFlattener to let us know what you're up to today. Or feel free to check in via LinkedIn, email, or your choice of connector. Pass this newsletter along to your colleagues, won't you?

That's it. Stay in touch, and stay safe until tomorrow.