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Woodrow M, Carey C, Ziauddeen N, Thomas R, Akrami A, Lutje V, Greenwood DC, Alwan NA. Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Long COVID. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad233. [PMID: 37404951 PMCID: PMC10316694 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Long COVID occurs in those infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) whose symptoms persist or develop beyond the acute phase. We conducted a systematic review to determine the prevalence of persistent symptoms, functional disability, or pathological changes in adults or children at least 12 weeks postinfection. Methods We searched key registers and databases from January 1, 2020 to November 2, 2021, limited to publications in English and studies with at least 100 participants. Studies in which all participants were critically ill were excluded. Long COVID was extracted as prevalence of at least 1 symptom or pathology, or prevalence of the most common symptom or pathology, at 12 weeks or later. Heterogeneity was quantified in absolute terms and as a proportion of total variation and explored across predefined subgroups (PROSPERO ID CRD42020218351). Results One hundred twenty studies in 130 publications were included. Length of follow-up varied between 12 weeks and 12 months. Few studies had low risk of bias. All complete and subgroup analyses except 1 had I2 ≥90%, with prevalence of persistent symptoms range of 0%-93% (pooled estimate [PE], 42.1%; 95% prediction interval [PI], 6.8% to 87.9%). Studies using routine healthcare records tended to report lower prevalence (PE, 13.6%; PI, 1.2% to 68%) of persistent symptoms/pathology than self-report (PE, 43.9%; PI, 8.2% to 87.2%). However, studies systematically investigating pathology in all participants at follow up tended to report the highest estimates of all 3 (PE, 51.7%; PI, 12.3% to 89.1%). Studies of hospitalized cases had generally higher estimates than community-based studies. Conclusions The way in which Long COVID is defined and measured affects prevalence estimation. Given the widespread nature of SARS-CoV-2 infection globally, the burden of chronic illness is likely to be substantial even using the most conservative estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirembe Woodrow
- Correspondence: N. A. Alwan, PhD, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK (); M. Woodrow, MSc, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK ()
| | - Charles Carey
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nida Ziauddeen
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Athena Akrami
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Patient-led Research Collaborative, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Vittoria Lutje
- Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nisreen A Alwan
- Correspondence: N. A. Alwan, PhD, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK (); M. Woodrow, MSc, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK ()
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Evolution and long‑term respiratory sequelae after severe COVID-19 pneumonia: nitric oxide diffusion measurement value. Respir Res 2023; 24:48. [PMID: 36782191 PMCID: PMC9924196 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02344-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are no published studies assessing the evolution of combined determination of the lung diffusing capacity for both nitric oxide and carbon monoxide (DLNO and DLCO) 12 months after the discharge of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS Prospective cohort study which included patients who were assessed both 3 and 12 months after an episode of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Their clinical status, health condition, lung function testings (LFTs) results (spirometry, DLNO-DLCO analysis, and six-minute walk test), and chest X-ray/computed tomography scan images were compared. RESULTS 194 patients, age 62 years (P25-75, 51.5-71), 59% men, completed the study. 17% required admission to the intensive care unit. An improvement in the patients' exercise tolerance, the extent of the areas of ground-glass opacity, and the LFTs between 3 and 12 months following their hospital discharge were found, but without a decrease in their degree of dyspnea or their self-perceived health condition. DLNO was the most significantly altered parameter at 12 months (19.3%). The improvement in DLNO-DLCO mainly occurred at the expense of the recovery of alveolar units and their vascular component, with the membrane factor only improving in patients with more severe infections. CONCLUSIONS The combined measurement of DLNO-DLCO is the most sensitive LFT for the detection of the long-term sequelae of COVID-19 pneumonia and it explain better their pathophysiology.
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Zheng B, Daines L, Han Q, Hurst JR, Pfeffer P, Shankar-Hari M, Elneima O, Walker S, Brown JS, Siddiqui S, Quint JK, Brightling CE, Evans RA, Wain LV, Heaney LG, Sheikh A. Prevalence, risk factors and treatments for post-COVID-19 breathlessness: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Respir Rev 2022; 31:31/166/220071. [PMID: 36323418 PMCID: PMC9724798 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0071-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent breathlessness >28 days after acute COVID-19 infection has been identified as a highly debilitating post-COVID symptom. However, the prevalence, risk factors, mechanisms and treatments for post-COVID breathlessness remain poorly understood. We systematically searched PubMed and Embase for relevant studies published from 1 January 2020 to 1 November 2021 (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021285733) and included 119 eligible papers. Random-effects meta-analysis of 42 872 patients with COVID-19 reported in 102 papers found an overall prevalence of post-COVID breathlessness of 26% (95% CI 23-29) when measuring the presence/absence of the symptom, and 41% (95% CI 34-48) when using Medical Research Council (MRC)/modified MRC dyspnoea scale. The pooled prevalence decreased significantly from 1-6 months to 7-12 months post-infection. Post-COVID breathlessness was more common in those with severe/critical acute infection, those who were hospitalised and females, and was less likely to be reported by patients in Asia than those in Europe or North America. Multiple pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed (including deconditioning, restrictive/obstructive airflow limitation, systemic inflammation, impaired mental health), but the body of evidence remains inconclusive. Seven cohort studies and one randomised controlled trial suggested rehabilitation exercises may reduce post-COVID breathlessness. There is an urgent need for mechanistic research and development of interventions for the prevention and treatment of post-COVID breathlessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bang Zheng
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Luke Daines
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Qing Han
- Dept of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - John R. Hurst
- UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Pfeffer
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK,Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Manu Shankar-Hari
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Omer Elneima
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | | | - Salman Siddiqui
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK,Dept of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Jennifer K. Quint
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher E. Brightling
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Rachael A. Evans
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Louise V. Wain
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK,Dept of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Liam G. Heaney
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Aziz Sheikh
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK,Corresponding author: Aziz Sheikh ()
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Xiong L, Li Q, Cao X, Xiong H, Huang M, Yang F, Meng D, Zhou M, Zhang Y, Fan Y, Tang L, Jin Y, Xia J, Hu Y. Recovery of functional fitness, lung function, and immune function in healthcare workers with nonsevere and severe COVID-19 at 13 months after discharge from the hospital: a prospective cohort study. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 123:119-126. [PMID: 35793753 PMCID: PMC9250704 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.06.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the recovery of functional fitness, lung function, and immune function in healthcare workers (HCWs) with nonsevere and severe COVID-19 at 13 months after discharge from the hospital. METHODS The participants of "Rehabilitation Care Project for Medical Staff Infected with COVID-19" underwent a functional fitness test (muscle strength, flexibility, and agility/dynamic balance), lung function test, and immune function test (including cytokines and lymphocyte subsets) at 13 months after discharge. RESULTS The project included 779 HCWs (316 nonsevere COVID-19 and 463 severe COVID-19). This study found that 29.1% (130/446) of the HCWs have not yet recovered their functional fitness. The most affected lung function indicator was lung perfusion capacity (34% with diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide-single breath <80%). The increase of interleukin-6 (64/534, 12.0%) and natural killer cells (44/534, 8.2%) and the decrease of CD3+ T cells (58/534, 10.9%) and CD4+ T cells (26/534, 4.9%) still existed at 13 months after discharge. No significant difference was found in the HCWs with nonsevere and severe COVID-19 regarding recovery of functional fitness, lung function, and immune function at 13 months after discharge. CONCLUSION The majority of Chinese HCWs with COVID-19 had recovered their functional fitness, lung function, and immune function, and the recovery status in HCWs with severe COVID-19 is no worse than that in HCWs with nonsevere COVID-19 at 13 months after discharge from the hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Xiong
- Department of Nosocomial Infection Management, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Li
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiongjing Cao
- Department of Nosocomial Infection Management, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huangguo Xiong
- Department of Nosocomial Infection Management, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Fengwen Yang
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Daquan Meng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mei Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanzhao Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunzhou Fan
- Department of Nosocomial Infection Management, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Tang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Jin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiahong Xia
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yu Hu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Lee JH, Yim JJ, Park J. Pulmonary function and chest computed tomography abnormalities 6-12 months after recovery from COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Respir Res 2022; 23:233. [PMID: 36068582 PMCID: PMC9446643 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02163-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Some coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors experience prolonged and varying symptoms, a condition termed post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS). However, the prevalence of chronic pulmonary sequelae of PACS during long-term follow-up remains unclear. Several studies have examined this issue and reported heterogeneous results. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using a random-effects model to estimate the pooled prevalence of the pulmonary sequelae of COVID-19, as demonstrated by pulmonary function testing (PFT) and chest computed tomography (CT) performed at least 6 months after initial infection. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021 to identify related studies. We investigated whether the prevalence of pulmonary sequelae decreased over time and attempted to identify the factors associated with their development by performing multiple subgroup and meta-regression analyses. Results Of the 18,062 studies identified, 30 met our eligibility criteria. Among these studies, 25 and 22 had follow-up PFT and chest CT data, respectively. The follow-up durations were approximately 6 and 12 months in 18 and 12 studies, respectively. Impaired diffusion capacity was the most common abnormality on PFT (pooled prevalence 35%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 30–41%) with a prevalence of 39% (95% CI 34–45%) and 31% (95% CI 21–40%) in the 6-month and 12-month follow-up studies, respectively (P = 0.115). Restrictive pulmonary dysfunction evident as reduced forced vital capacity was less frequent (pooled prevalence 8%, 95% CI 6–11%); however, its prevalence was lower in the 12-month follow-up studies than in the 6-month follow-up studies (5% [95% CI 3–7%] vs. 13% [95% CI 8–19%], P = 0.006). On follow-up chest CT, the pooled prevalence of persistent ground-glass opacities and pulmonary fibrosis was 34% (95% CI 24–44%) and 32% (95% CI 23–40%), respectively, and the prevalence did not decrease over time. As every meta-analysis showed significant between-study heterogeneity, subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to identify potential effect modifiers; the severity of index infection was associated with the prevalence of impaired diffusion capacity and pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusions A substantial number of COVID-19 survivors displayed pulmonary sequelae as part of PACS. Except for restrictive pulmonary dysfunction, the prevalence of these sequelae did not decrease until 1 year after initial infection. Considering the association between the severity of acute COVID-19 and risk of pulmonary sequelae, patients who recover from severe COVID-19 require close respiratory follow-up. Systematic review registration number PROSPERO CRD42021234357 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-022-02163-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Hyuk Lee
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Joon Yim
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jimyung Park
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.
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Arbillaga-Etxarri A, Lista-Paz A, Alcaraz-Serrano V, Escudero-Romero R, Herrero-Cortina B, Balañá Corberó A, Sebio-García R, Vilaró J, Gimeno-Santos E. [Respiratory physiotherapy in post-COVID-19: a decision-making algorithm for clinical practice]. OPEN RESPIRATORY ARCHIVES 2022; 4:100139. [PMID: 38620962 PMCID: PMC8507569 DOI: 10.1016/j.opresp.2021.100139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has posed a great challenge for the healthcare system which has been later aggravated by the need of managing clinical manifestations and potential sequelae in COVID-19 survivors. In this context, respiratory Physiotherapy emerges as a cornerstone in the interdisciplinary management warranted in this population. Given that the implementation and resources available for the interdisciplinary therapeutic interventions in Spain is scarce, it is essential to perform a comprehensive, exhaustive and personalised assessment. This will allow us to establish more accurate selection criteria in order to optimise the use of existing human and material resources. To this end, we propose here a decision-making algorithm for clinical practice to assess the clinical manifestations in people recovered from COVID-19 based on well-established, validated tests and assessment tools. This algorithm can be used at any clinical practice environment (primary care/community or hospital-based), combined with a patient-centered model and the use of community and e-Health resources and its application to improve the Physiotherapy care of these patients in the COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Arbillaga-Etxarri
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Deusto, Gipuzkoa, España
| | - Ana Lista-Paz
- Facultad de Fisioterapia, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, España
| | - Victoria Alcaraz-Serrano
- Fundación Clínic para la Investigación Biomédica, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
- Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona (ISGlobal), Barcelona, España
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Blanquerna, Universidad Ramon Llull, Barcelona, España
| | | | - Beatriz Herrero-Cortina
- Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, España
- Universidad San Jorge, Campus Universitario, Zaragoza, España
| | - Ana Balañá Corberó
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Blanquerna, Universidad Ramon Llull, Barcelona, España
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital del Mar-IMIM, Barcelona, España
| | - Raquel Sebio-García
- Servicio de Rehabilitación, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Agustí Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, España
| | - Jordi Vilaró
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Blanquerna, Universidad Ramon Llull, Barcelona, España
- Global Research on Wellbeing (GRoW), Universidad Ramon Llull, Barcelona, España
| | - Elena Gimeno-Santos
- Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona (ISGlobal), Barcelona, España
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Blanquerna, Universidad Ramon Llull, Barcelona, España
- Servicio de Rehabilitación, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
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Guo T, Jiang F, Liu Y, Zhao Y, Li Y, Wang Y. Respiratory Outcomes in Patients Following COVID-19-Related Hospitalization: A Meta-Analysis. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:750558. [PMID: 34692771 PMCID: PMC8528387 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.750558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To determine the respiratory outcomes in patients following COVID-19-related hospitalization. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. Results: Forced vital capacity (FVC, % of predicted): 0-3 months post discharge: 96.1, 95% CI [82.1-110.0]; 3-6 months post discharge: 99.9, 95% CI [84.8, 115.0]; >6 months post discharge: 97.4, 95% CI [76.8-118.0]. Diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO, % of predicted): 0-3 months post discharge: 83.9, 95% CI [68.9-98.9]; 3-6 months post discharge: 91.2, 95% CI [74.8-107.7]; >6 months post discharge: 97.3, 95% CI [76.7-117.9]. Percentage of patients with FVC less than 80% of predicted: 0-3 months post discharge: 10%, 95% CI [6-14%]; 3-6 months post discharge: 10%, 95% CI [2-18%]; >6 months post discharge: 13%, 95% CI [8-18%]. Percentage of patients with DLCO less than 80% of predicted: 0-3 months post discharge: 48%, 95% CI [41-56%]; 3-6 months post discharge: 33%, 95% CI [23-44%]; >6 months post discharge: 43%, 95% CI [22-65%]. Conclusion: The meta-analysis confirms a high prevalence of persistent lung diffusion impairment in patients following COVID-19-related hospitalization. Routine respiratory follow-up is thus strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Guo
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Fangfang Jiang
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Yufei Liu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yunpeng Zhao
- School of Medicine and Integrated Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiran Li
- School of Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yihua Wang
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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