My assignment was to edit medical information written at a post-graduate level so that it could be readable for high school students. Through this assignment I learned how to successfully simplify and rephrase information for different audiences.
Original text:
Rapid diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics are important interventions for the management of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak. It is timely to systematically review the potential of these interventions, including those for Middle East respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV, to guide policymakers globally on their prioritization of resources for research and development. A systematic search was carried out in three major electronic databases (PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library) to identify published studies in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Supplementary strategies through Google Search and personal communications were used. A total of 27 studies fulfilled the criteria for review. Several laboratory protocols for confirmation of suspected 2019-nCoV cases using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) have been published. A commercial RT-PCR kit developed by the Beijing Genomic Institute is currently widely used in China and likely in Asia. However, serological assays as well as point-of-care testing kits have not been developed but are likely in the near future. Several vaccine candidates are in the pipeline. The likely earliest Phase1 vaccine trial is a synthetic DNA-based candidate. A number of novel compounds as well as therapeutics licensed for other conditions appear to have in vitro efficacy against the 2019-nCoV. Some are being tested in clinical trials against MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, while others have been listed for clinical trials against 2019-nCoV. However, there are currently no effective specific antivirals or drug combinations supported by high-level evidence.
Revised text:
To manage the 2019 coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak, we need to use rapid diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics. We should also review resources used to alleviate Middle East respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV. This will help guide policymakers as they prioritize resources for research and development.
Researchers examined three major databases (PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library) to find published studies that adhere to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. They also used Google Search and personal communications. A total of 27 studies fulfilled the criteria for review.
Several laboratory protocols have been published that explain how to confirm suspected 2019-nCoV cases. One strategy uses transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Currently, a commercial RT-PCR kit developed by the Beijing Genomic Institute is widely used in China. Serological assays (blood tests), as well as point-of-care testing kits, have not been developed yet, but likely will be soon.
Several vaccine candidates are in the pipeline. The earliest Phase 1 vaccine trial is most likely a synthetic DNA-based candidate. Many novel compounds, as well as therapeutics for other conditions, appear to be effective against 2019-nCoV in lab environments. Some are being tested in clinical trials against MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, while others have been listed for clinical trials against 2019-nCoV. However, there are currently no effective antivirals or drug combinations supported by strong evidence.