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Jordan A, Park A. Understanding the Long Haulers of COVID-19: Mixed Methods Analysis of YouTube Content. JMIR AI 2024; 3:e54501. [PMID: 38875666 DOI: 10.2196/54501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating global impact. In the United States, there were >98 million COVID-19 cases and >1 million resulting deaths. One consequence of COVID-19 infection has been post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). People with this syndrome, colloquially called long haulers, experience symptoms that impact their quality of life. The root cause of PCC and effective treatments remains unknown. Many long haulers have turned to social media for support and guidance. OBJECTIVE In this study, we sought to gain a better understanding of the long hauler experience by investigating what has been discussed and how information about long haulers is perceived on social media. We specifically investigated the following: (1) the range of symptoms that are discussed, (2) the ways in which information about long haulers is perceived, (3) informational and emotional support that is available to long haulers, and (4) discourse between viewers and creators. We selected YouTube as our data source due to its popularity and wide range of audience. METHODS We systematically gathered data from 3 different types of content creators: medical sources, news sources, and long haulers. To computationally understand the video content and viewers' reactions, we used Biterm, a topic modeling algorithm created specifically for short texts, to analyze snippets of video transcripts and all top-level comments from the comment section. To triangulate our findings about viewers' reactions, we used the Valence Aware Dictionary and Sentiment Reasoner to conduct sentiment analysis on comments from each type of content creator. We grouped the comments into positive and negative categories and generated topics for these groups using Biterm. We then manually grouped resulting topics into broader themes for the purpose of analysis. RESULTS We organized the resulting topics into 28 themes across all sources. Examples of medical source transcript themes were Explanations in layman's terms and Biological explanations. Examples of news source transcript themes were Negative experiences and handling the long haul. The 2 long hauler transcript themes were Taking treatments into own hands and Changes to daily life. News sources received a greater share of negative comments. A few themes of these negative comments included Misinformation and disinformation and Issues with the health care system. Similarly, negative long hauler comments were organized into several themes, including Disillusionment with the health care system and Requiring more visibility. In contrast, positive medical source comments captured themes such as Appreciation of helpful content and Exchange of helpful information. In addition to this theme, one positive theme found in long hauler comments was Community building. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study could help public health agencies, policy makers, organizations, and health researchers understand symptomatology and experiences related to PCC. They could also help these agencies develop their communication strategy concerning PCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Jordan
- Department of Software and Information Systems, UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Albert Park
- Department of Software and Information Systems, UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
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Álvarez-Santacruz C, Tyrkalska SD, Candel S. The Microbiota in Long COVID. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1330. [PMID: 38279329 PMCID: PMC10816132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Interest in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has progressively decreased lately, mainly due to the great effectivity of vaccines. Furthermore, no new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants able to circumvent the protection of these vaccines, while presenting high transmissibility and/or lethality, have appeared. However, long COVID has emerged as a huge threat to human health and economy globally. The human microbiota plays an important role in health and disease, participating in the modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Thus, multiple studies have found that the nasopharyngeal microbiota is altered in COVID-19 patients, with these changes associated with the onset and/or severity of the disease. Nevertheless, although dysbiosis has also been reported in long COVID patients, mainly in the gut, little is known about the possible involvement of the microbiota in the development of this disease. Therefore, in this work, we aim to fill this gap in the knowledge by discussing and comparing the most relevant studies that have been published in this field up to this point. Hence, we discuss that the relevance of long COVID has probably been underestimated, and that the available data suggest that the microbiota could be playing a pivotal role on the pathogenesis of the disease. Further research to elucidate the involvement of the microbiota in long COVID will be essential to explore new therapeutic strategies based on manipulation of the microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sylwia D. Tyrkalska
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Pascual Parrilla, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Candel
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Pascual Parrilla, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Churchill NW, Roudaia E, Jean Chen J, Gilboa A, Sekuler A, Ji X, Gao F, Lin Z, Masellis M, Goubran M, Rabin JS, Lam B, Cheng I, Fowler R, Heyn C, Black SE, MacIntosh BJ, Graham SJ, Schweizer TA. Persistent post-COVID headache is associated with suppression of scale-free functional brain dynamics in non-hospitalized individuals. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3212. [PMID: 37872889 PMCID: PMC10636408 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Post-acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome (PACS) is a growing concern, with headache being a particularly debilitating symptom with high prevalence. The long-term effects of COVID-19 and post-COVID headache on brain function remain poorly understood, particularly among non-hospitalized individuals. This study focused on the power-law scaling behavior of functional brain dynamics, indexed by the Hurst exponent (H). This measure is suppressed during physiological and psychological distress and was thus hypothesized to be reduced in individuals with post-COVID syndrome, with greatest reductions among those with persistent headache. METHODS Resting-state blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected for 57 individuals who had COVID-19 (32 with no headache, 14 with ongoing headache, 11 recovered) and 17 controls who had cold and flu-like symptoms but tested negative for COVID-19. Individuals were assessed an average of 4-5 months after COVID testing, in a cross-sectional, observational study design. RESULTS No significant differences in H values were found between non-headache COVID-19 and control groups., while those with ongoing headache had significantly reduced H values, and those who had recovered from headache had elevated H values, relative to non-headache groups. Effects were greatest in temporal, sensorimotor, and insular brain regions. Reduced H in these regions was also associated with decreased BOLD activity and local functional connectivity. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide new insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms that underlie persistent post-COVID headache, with reduced BOLD scaling as a potential biomarker that is specific to this debilitating condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan W. Churchill
- Neuroscience Research Program, St. Michael's HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada
- Physics DepartmentToronto Metropolitan UniversityTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Eugenie Roudaia
- Rotman Research InstituteBaycrest Academy for Research and EducationTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - J. Jean Chen
- Rotman Research InstituteBaycrest Academy for Research and EducationTorontoOntarioCanada
- Department of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Institute of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Asaf Gilboa
- Rotman Research InstituteBaycrest Academy for Research and EducationTorontoOntarioCanada
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Allison Sekuler
- Rotman Research InstituteBaycrest Academy for Research and EducationTorontoOntarioCanada
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & BehaviourMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
| | - Xiang Ji
- LC Campbell Cognitive Neurology Research Group, Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Fuqiang Gao
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences ProgramSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Zhongmin Lin
- Department of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Physical Sciences PlatformSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Mario Masellis
- Rotman Research InstituteBaycrest Academy for Research and EducationTorontoOntarioCanada
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences ProgramSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Maged Goubran
- Department of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences ProgramSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
- Physical Sciences PlatformSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
- Harquail Centre for NeuromodulationSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Jennifer S. Rabin
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Harquail Centre for NeuromodulationSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
- Rehabilitation Sciences InstituteUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Benjamin Lam
- Rotman Research InstituteBaycrest Academy for Research and EducationTorontoOntarioCanada
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences ProgramSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Ivy Cheng
- Evaluative Clinical SciencesSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
- Integrated Community ProgramSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
- Department of MedicineUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Robert Fowler
- Department of MedicineUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Emergency & Critical Care Research ProgramSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Chris Heyn
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences ProgramSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
- Department of Medical ImagingUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Sandra E. Black
- Rotman Research InstituteBaycrest Academy for Research and EducationTorontoOntarioCanada
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences ProgramSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Bradley J. MacIntosh
- Department of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences ProgramSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
- Physical Sciences PlatformSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
- Computational Radiology & Artificial Intelligence Unit, Division of Radiology and Nuclear MedicineOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Simon J. Graham
- Department of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences ProgramSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
- Physical Sciences PlatformSunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Tom A. Schweizer
- Neuroscience Research Program, St. Michael's HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada
- Faculty of Medicine (Neurosurgery)University of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
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Zahouani I, Desmeules F, Perreault K, Campeau-Lecours A, Best K, Beaulieu-Bonneau S, Paquette JS, Deslauriers S, Daigle N, Drouin G, Tittley J, Gagnon MA, Salmam I, Brouillard SM, Lepage K, Roy JS. Physical and cognitive impairments in people suffering from long COVID: protocol for a longitudinal population-based cohort study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e064054. [PMID: 36921943 PMCID: PMC10030285 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approximately 33% of people who contracted COVID-19 still experience symptoms 12 weeks after infection onset. This persistence of symptoms is now considered a syndrome itself called 'long COVID'. Evidence regarding long COVID and its cognitive and physical impacts is growing, but the literature is currently lacking objectively measured data to guide towards adapted healthcare trajectories. The objectives are to describe the physical and cognitive impairments experienced by individuals living with long COVID using self-reported and clinical objective measures, and to compare the evolution over time of the physical and cognitive state between adults living with long COVID (at least one physical or cognitive COVID-19 symptom for more than 12 weeks following infection; long COVID group), people who developed COVID-19 but did not experience persistent symptoms (short COVID group) and people who did not develop COVID-19 (control group). METHODS AND ANALYSIS In this longitudinal cohort study, 120 participants will be recruited in each group. Variables will be collected through three evaluation sessions over 6 months (baseline, 3 months, 6 months). Variables include self-administered questionnaires on health-related quality of life, comorbidity, sleep, pain, anxiety, depressive symptoms, fatigue and cognitive function, as well as objective measures of cognitive (attention, memory, executive functioning) and physical (grip strength, balance, gait speed, gait endurance, VO2, frailty) functions. Activity, heart rate and sleep will be monitored with a fitness tracker watch for 7 days following evaluation sessions. Maximum-likelihood analyses of variance (ANOVAs) will be used to compare data at baseline between groups. Repeated measures ANOVAs will be used to compare the longitudinal performance variations across groups of the self-reported and clinical variables. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics committees of the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale and CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal approved the project. Results will be disseminated through clinical and community platforms as well as through peer-reviewed manuscripts and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05216536.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imane Zahouani
- Hospital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - François Desmeules
- Hospital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kadija Perreault
- Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Campeau-Lecours
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Krista Best
- Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Simon Beaulieu-Bonneau
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Sébastien Paquette
- VITAM - Research Centre on Sustainable Health, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Laboratoire ARIMED, Groupe de médecine de famille du Nord de Lanaudière, CISSS Lanaudière, Saint-Charles-Borromée, Quebec, Canada
| | - Simon Deslauriers
- VITAM - Research Centre on Sustainable Health, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Daigle
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gilles Drouin
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean Tittley
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Andrée Gagnon
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Imane Salmam
- Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Jean-Sébastien Roy
- Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
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Landry M, Bornstein S, Nagaraj N, Sardon GA, Castel A, Vyas A, McDonnell K, Agneshwar M, Wilkinson A, Goldman L. Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 in University Setting. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:519-527. [PMID: 36703253 PMCID: PMC9973677 DOI: 10.3201/eid2903.221522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, commonly known as long COVID, is estimated to affect 10% to 80% of COVID-19 survivors. We examined the prevalence and predictors of long COVID from a sample of 1,338 COVID-19 cases among university members in Washington, DC, USA, during July 2021‒March 2022. Cases were followed up after 30 days of the initial positive result with confidential electronic surveys including questions about long COVID. The prevalence of long COVID was 36%. Long COVID was more prevalent among those who had underlying conditions, who were not fully vaccinated, who were female, who were former/current smokers, who experienced acute COVID-19 symptoms, who reported higher symptom counts, who sought medical care, or who received antibody treatment. Understanding long COVID among university members is imperative to support persons who have ongoing symptoms and to strengthen existing services or make referrals to other services, such as mental health, exercise programs, or long-term health studies.
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Russell D, Spence NJ, Chase JAD, Schwartz T, Tumminello CM, Bouldin E. Support amid uncertainty: Long COVID illness experiences and the role of online communities. SSM. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH 2022; 2:100177. [PMID: 36212783 PMCID: PMC9531408 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2022.100177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Long COVID is characterized by persistent and debilitating long-term symptoms from COVID-19. Many persons with Long COVID began gathering in online communities during the early phases of the pandemic to share their illness experiences. This qualitative interview study explored the subjective experiences of 20 persons with Long COVID recruited from five online communities. Their understandings of illness and associated implications for social relationships with family and friends, healthcare professionals, and online community members were explored. Three themes were identified from our analysis, including (1) complex and unpredictable illness experienced amid an evolving understanding of the pandemic; (2) frustration, dismissal, and gaslighting in healthcare interactions; and (3) validation and support from online communities. These findings highlight the significant uncertainty that persons with Long COVID navigated, the features of their often dismaying healthcare experiences, and the ways in which online communities aided them in understanding their illness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Naomi J Spence
- Lehman College, City University of New York, United States
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7
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Mozaffari SA, Salehi A, Mousavi E, Zaman BA, Nassaj AE, Ebrahimzadeh F, Nasiri H, Valedkarimi Z, Adili A, Asemani G, Akbari M. SARS-CoV-2-associated gut microbiome alteration; A new contributor to colorectal cancer pathogenesis. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 239:154131. [PMID: 36191449 PMCID: PMC9477615 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of a novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in December 2019 led to a global pandemic with more than 170 million confirmed infections and more than 6 million deaths (by July 2022). Studies have shown that infection with SARS-CoV-2 in cancer patients has a higher mortality rate than in people without cancer. Here, we have reviewed the evidence showing that gut microbiota plays an important role in health and is linked to colorectal cancer development. Studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to a change in gut microbiota, which modify intestinal inflammation and barrier permeability and affects tumor-suppressor or oncogene genes, proposing SARS-CoV-2 as a potential contributor to CRC pathogenesis
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrooz Amin Mozaffari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Ali Salehi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Elnaz Mousavi
- Dental Sciences Research Center, Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Burhan Abdullah Zaman
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Duhok, Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Ali Eslambol Nassaj
- Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Farnoosh Ebrahimzadeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Hadi Nasiri
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Zahra Valedkarimi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Ali Adili
- Senior Adult Oncology Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA; Department of Oncology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Ghazaleh Asemani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Morteza Akbari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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8
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Aghaei A, Zhang R, Taylor S, Tam CC, Yang CH, Li X, Qiao S. Social Life of Females with Persistent COVID-19 Symptoms: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159076. [PMID: 35897448 PMCID: PMC9331983 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Persistent COVID-19 symptoms (long COVID) may bring challenges to long haulers’ social lives. Females may endure more profound impacts given their special social roles and existing structural inequality. This study explores the effects of long COVID on the social life of female long haulers. We conducted semi-structured interviews via Zoom between April and June 2021 with 15 female long haulers in the United States, purposely recruited from Facebook and Slack groups and organization websites related to long COVID. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim with consent. The interview data were managed using MAXQDA and examined by thematic analysis. Long COVID negatively affected female long haulers’ social lives by causing physical limitations, economic issues, altered social relationships, social roles’ conflicts, and social stigma. Long COVID prevented female long haulers’ recovery process. Physical limitations altered their perceptions on body, and family–work conflicts caused tremendous stress. They also experienced internalized stigma and job insecurities. This study provides insights into challenges that COVID-19 female long haulers could face in their return to normal social life, underscoring the vulnerability of females affected by long COVID due to significant alterations in their social lives. Shifting to new methods of communication, especially social media, diminished the adverse effects of long COVID (e.g., social isolation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Aghaei
- Department of Health Promotion Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (A.A.); (R.Z.); (C.-C.T.); (X.L.)
- South Carolina SmartState Center of Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Ran Zhang
- Department of Health Promotion Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (A.A.); (R.Z.); (C.-C.T.); (X.L.)
- South Carolina SmartState Center of Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Slone Taylor
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA;
| | - Cheuk-Chi Tam
- Department of Health Promotion Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (A.A.); (R.Z.); (C.-C.T.); (X.L.)
- South Carolina SmartState Center of Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Chih-Hsiang Yang
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA;
- Technology Center to Promote Healthy Lifestyles, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Health Promotion Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (A.A.); (R.Z.); (C.-C.T.); (X.L.)
- South Carolina SmartState Center of Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Shan Qiao
- Department of Health Promotion Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; (A.A.); (R.Z.); (C.-C.T.); (X.L.)
- South Carolina SmartState Center of Healthcare Quality, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a worldwide pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has affected millions of lives. Individuals who survive severe COVID-19 can experience sustained respiratory symptoms that persist for months after initial infection. In other airway diseases, abnormal airway mucus contributes to sustained airway symptoms. However, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on airway mucus has received limited attention. In the current review, we assess literature describing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on airway pathophysiology with specific emphasis on mucus production. Accumulating evidence suggests that the 2 major secreted airway mucin glycoproteins, MUC5AC and MUC5B, are abnormal in some patients with COVID-19. Aberrations in MUC5AC or MUC5B in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection are likely due to inflammation, though the responsible mechanisms have yet to be determined. Thus, we also provide a proposed model highlighting mechanisms that can contribute to acute and sustained mucus abnormalities in SARS-CoV-2, with an emphasis on inflammatory cells and mediators, including mast cells and histamine. Last, we bring to light the challenges of studying abnormal mucus production in SARS-CoV-2 infections and discuss the strengths and limitations of model systems commonly used to study COVID-19. The evidence to date suggests that ferrets, nonhuman primates, and cats may have advantages over other models to investigate mucus in COVID-19.
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10
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dos Santos PK, Sigoli E, Bragança LJ, Cornachione AS. The Musculoskeletal Involvement After Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Infection. Front Physiol 2022; 13:813924. [PMID: 35492595 PMCID: PMC9040683 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.813924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has been drastically affecting the daily lives of millions of people. COVID-19 is described as a multiorgan disease that affects not only the respiratory tract of infected individuals, but it has considerable effects on the musculoskeletal system, causing excessive fatigue, myalgia, arthralgia, muscle weakness and skeletal muscle damage. These symptoms can persist for months, decreasing the quality of life of numerous individuals. Curiously, most studies in the scientific literature focus on patients who were hospitalized due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and little is known about the mechanism of action of COVID-19 on skeletal muscles, especially of individuals who had the mild to moderate forms of the disease (non-hospitalized patients). In this review, we focus on the current knowledge about the musculoskeletal system in COVID-19, highlighting the lack of researches investigating the mild to moderate cases of infection and pointing out why it is essential to care for these patients. Also, we will comment about the need of more experimental data to assess the musculoskeletal manifestations on COVID-19-positive individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patty K. dos Santos
- Muscle Physiology and Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, Brazil
| | | | | | - Anabelle S. Cornachione
- Muscle Physiology and Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, Brazil
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11
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France K, Glick M. Long COVID and oral health care considerations. J Am Dent Assoc 2022; 153:167-174. [PMID: 34756590 PMCID: PMC8553648 DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who have recovered from the initial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection are at risk of developing long COVID, a prolonged suite of signs and symptoms that may interfere with daily life and the ability to undergo routine oral health care. METHODS The available literature on long COVID was reviewed and compiled to produce a review of the syndrome as currently understood. Articles were evaluated with a focus on how long COVID may affect the provision of oral health care and on ways in which treatment may need to be modified to best care for this vulnerable patient population. RESULTS Long COVID includes a wide variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, risk of developing thromboembolism, and neurologic and psychiatric complications. These symptoms may arise at various times and in a wide range of patients, and they may necessitate modification of routine oral health care interventions. CONCLUSIONS Recommendations for the treatment of affected people in an oral health care setting are presented, including a thorough evaluation of the patient history and current status, understanding of how related symptoms may affect oral health care interventions, and which modifications to treatment are needed to provide safe and appropriate care. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Oral health care professionals must be aware of long COVID, an increasingly prevalent condition with a widely variable presentation and impact. Oral health care professionals should be prepared to treat these patients safely in an outpatient oral health setting.
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12
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Julian DR, Kazakoff MA, Patel A, Jaynes J, Willis MS, Yates CC. Chemokine-Based Therapeutics for the Treatment of Inflammatory and Fibrotic Convergent Pathways in COVID-19. CURRENT PATHOBIOLOGY REPORTS 2021; 9:93-105. [PMID: 34900402 PMCID: PMC8651461 DOI: 10.1007/s40139-021-00226-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 betacoronavirus and has taken over 761,426 American lives as of the date of publication and will likely result in long-term, if not permanent, tissue damage for countless patients. COVID-19 presents with diverse and multisystemic pathologic processes, including a hyperinflammatory response, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), vascular injury, microangiopathy, tissue fibrosis, angiogenesis, and widespread thrombosis across multiple organs, including the lungs, heart, kidney, liver, and brain. C-X-C chemokines contribute to these pathologies by attracting inflammatory mediators, the disruption of endothelial cell integrity and function, and the initiation and propagation of the cytokine storm. Among these, CXCL10 is recognized as a critical contributor to the hyperinflammatory state and poor prognosis in COVID-19. CXCL10 is also known to regulate growth factor-induced fibrosis, and recent evidence suggests the CXCL10-CXCR3 signaling system may be vital in targeting convergent pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic pathways. This review will explore the mechanistic role of CXCL10 and related chemokines in fibrotic complications associated with COVID-19 and the potential of CXCL10-targeted therapeutics for early intervention and long-term treatment of COVID-19-induced fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana R Julian
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Victoria Street, Victoria Bldg. 458A, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA.,McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Megan A Kazakoff
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Victoria Street, Victoria Bldg. 458A, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA.,McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Akhil Patel
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Victoria Street, Victoria Bldg. 458A, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Jesse Jaynes
- College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences and College of Arts and Sciences, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088 USA
| | - Monte S Willis
- Pathology Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology Section, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Cecelia C Yates
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Victoria Street, Victoria Bldg. 458A, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA.,McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
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13
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Evaluating Experiential Avoidance in terms of COVID-19 Fear and Pandemic Emotional Distress Symptoms Among Latinx Adults. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2021; 46:358-366. [PMID: 34483401 PMCID: PMC8409070 DOI: 10.1007/s10608-021-10265-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Background The outbreak of the novel 2019 SARS2-Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has led to substantial psychological distress across the United States and the world. However, emerging work suggests that prominent COVID-19 consequences such as fear of COVID-19 infection and emotional distress resulting from economic adversity and social distancing may afflict the Latinx population disproportionately. The current study sought to investigate the influence of experiential avoidance (EA), or an individual's tendency to rigidly avoid negative internal experiences (i.e. feelings, thoughts, etc.), on the severity of COVID-19 fear and emotional distress symptoms due to economic adversity and social distancing. Method Participants included 188 Latinx persons recruited via an online survey panel program. Results Results indicated that EA was a statistically significant contributing factor to fear of COVID-19 and emotional distress associated with economic adversity and social distancing. These effects were evident over and above the variance accounted for by gender, years living in the United States, education, and COVID-19 related work and home life stress. Conclusions Overall, the present work is the first to document empirically EA as it relates to fear of COVID-19 infection and related emotional distress resulting from economic adversity and social distancing among Latinx persons.
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Howell MC, Green R, McGill AR, Dutta R, Mohapatra S, Mohapatra SS. SARS-CoV-2-Induced Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis: Implications for Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2676. [PMID: 34071688 PMCID: PMC8198029 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), in December 2019 led to a worldwide pandemic with over 170 million confirmed infections and over 3.5 million deaths (as of May 2021). Early studies have shown higher mortality rates from SARS-CoV-2 infection in cancer patients than individuals without cancer. Herein, we review the evidence that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in health and has been linked to the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Investigations have shown that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes changes to the gut microbiota, including an overall decline in microbial diversity, enrichment of opportunistic pathogens such as Fusobacterium nucleatum bacteremia, and depletion of beneficial commensals, such as the butyrate-producing bacteria. Further, these changes lead to increased colonic inflammation, which leads to gut barrier disruption, expression of genes governing CRC tumorigenesis, and tumor immunosuppression, thus further exacerbating CRC progression. Additionally, a long-lasting impact of SARS-CoV-2 on gut dysbiosis might result in a greater possibility of new CRC diagnosis or aggravating the condition in those already afflicted. Herein, we review the evidence relating to the current understanding of how infection with SARS-CoV-2 impacts the gut microbiota and the effects this will have on CRC carcinogenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C. Howell
- Department of Veterans Affairs, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (M.C.H.); (R.G.); (A.R.M.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Ryan Green
- Department of Veterans Affairs, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (M.C.H.); (R.G.); (A.R.M.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Andrew R. McGill
- Department of Veterans Affairs, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (M.C.H.); (R.G.); (A.R.M.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Rinku Dutta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Subhra Mohapatra
- Department of Veterans Affairs, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (M.C.H.); (R.G.); (A.R.M.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Shyam S. Mohapatra
- Department of Veterans Affairs, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (M.C.H.); (R.G.); (A.R.M.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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